The Panthers take on the Eels at TIO Stadium, Darwin, in the latest edition of the Battle of the West. Here's three key match-ups which will play a decisive role in the outcome:
SAM MCKENDRY v JUNIOR PAULO
Sam McKendry has played on 19 occasions this season, compared to Junior Paulo’s 10, however is averaging over six minutes less on the field. McKendry gets through more defensive work, making an average of 24 tackles per game to Paulo’s 20. Their ability to go forward is similar with Paulo averaging 115.5 metres from 13 runs per game, and McKendry making 105 metres from 11 runs per game. Neither forward has scored a try this season.
JAMES SEGEYARO v NATHAN PEATS
James Segeyaro has taken the field 13 times, to Nathan Peats’ 17. Segeyaro has crossed the line for a try five times, with Peats having scored four. Segeyaro enjoys running the ball more than his opposite number averaging 10 runs per game, compared to Peats’ average of six, resulting in Segeyaro making 67 metres per game to Peats’ 50. Furthermore, Segeyaro has made seven line breaks and 26 offloads this season in comparison to Peats’ three line breaks and two offloads.
JEREMY LATIMORE v DARCY LUSSICK
Jeremy Latimore has featured 19 times this season, with Darcy Lussick featuring 12 times, both predominantly from the bench. Latimore has been able to get through more minutes on the field, averaging 45 minutes to Lussick’s 35 minutes. Latimore averages 13 runs per game, making 114 metres compared to Lussick who runs the ball an average of 10 times for 87 metres. In defence, Latimore reaches 28 tackles per game, with Lussick making 22.
