Penrith Panthers NSW Cup v Wyong Roos
Pepper Stadium
Kick-off 3.15pm Saturday
The Penrith Panthers NSW Cup side will be chasing revenge on home turf when they tackle Wyong Roos at Pepper Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The two sides last met on the Central Coast a fortnight ago in a fiery clash that saw the Roos break Penrith hearts. Wyong scored late tries to draw level before sneaking the winning field goal right on fulltime.
The result has put the Panthers’ position at the top of the competition table under threat, with New Zealand Warriors trailing by only two points. Wyong is only another win further back but has the benefit of an extra bye in hand.
After enjoying the bye themselves last week, Penrith coach Garth Brennan has responded to the challenge with a handful of alterations to his line-up.
Impact forward Ben Murdoch-Masila makes a long-awaited return from injury and takes his place in the starting side. When he has featured for the Panthers this season, he has inspired his teammates with his hard-hitting tackles and impressive ball skills for a big man.
Prop Moses Leota has earned a promotion on the back of his standout performances for the Panthers NYC side.
Centre Robert Jennings has been named to back up from his appearance in the successful NSW U20s State of Origin side on Wednesday night. Saturday will mark his first game in Penrith colours since he injured his elbow playing for the NRL side against the Eels in Round 12.
The loss a fortnight ago was a big wake-up call for the Panthers. After dominating much of the match, Penrith let a 12-point lead slip in the second half.
Victory on Saturday is crucial for the Panthers if they are to stave off the challenge of the trailing pack and promote their chances of defending their minor premiership.
PENRITH PANTHERS | Adrian Davis, Eddie Aiono, Robert Jennings, Maliko Filino, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Isaac John, Will Smith, Andy Saunders, Sione Katoa, Leilani Latu, Chris Smith, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Tupou Sopoaga, Brendan Attwood, Matt Eisenhuth, Antonio Pelasasa, Moses Leota, Geoff Daniela.
