Rugby

NRL: Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders Preview

by
Darry Worthington
August 5, 2020

Darry Worthington previews the headline Round 13 NRL clash which sees the Panthers take on the Raiders on Saturday the 8th of August.

Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sport

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

The log-leading Penrith Panthers will be looking to maintain their lofty perch when they take on a Canberra Raiders outfit that is looking to close in on the top four.

Both teams head into this one off the back of wins Round 12 wins and will be keen for a repeat in Round 13.

Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders
Saturday 8 August

Panthers Stadium
11:35

To Win (80 Mins)
Panthers 9/20

Draw 18/1
Raiders 37/20

Panthers
The Panthers are enjoying a marvellous season and have won ten of their 12 fixtures while drawing another and only suffering one defeat. This defeat came back in mid-July where they were beaten 16-10 by what was a bang in-form Parramatta Eels outfit.

Last weekend saw them beat the Manly Sea Eagles 12-42. This impressive victory came a week after they struggled their way to a 14-22 win over the Gold Coast Titans.

The Panthers don’t have the best of records against the Raiders despite winning three of the last five contests. The Raiders won the two encounters last year winning their home fixture by 18 points and the away clash by 12.

Raiders

The Raiders managed to make it three wins on the trot as they beat the Queensland Cowboys 12-14 in a frenetic Round 12 clash. The Raiders previous two victories had come against the Rabbitohs (18-12) and the Roosters (20-24). Prior to that, they had lost three of their previous four games.

As noted earlier, Canberra have a very decent recent record over Penrith. They have been a lot less consistent this year than they were last, however, and they’ll need to put in a big shift here if they are to spring a surprise on the table-toppers.

Verdict: Penrith 9/20
While I’m expecting a spirited fight from the Raiders, I can’t see them getting one over Penrith.

Round 13 Tips
Roosters Win
Sea Eagles Minus

Broncos Win
Storm Minus

Knights Win
Panthers Win

Titans Win
Eels Minus