Only Cronulla stand in the way of a fifth consecutive grand final for Ivan Cleary’s Panthers, who host the Sharks in tonight’s second prelim final at Accor Stadium.
For the entirety of the 2020s to date Penrith have made a habit of saving their best to last, winning their last four prelims by an average margin of 15 points – including a 34-point win over Melbourne last year.
Few doubt the class of Cleary’s men, led by halfback Nathan Cleary and soon-to-be club record appearance holder Isaah Yeo. As such, they are red hot favourites for tonight’s clash.
MATCH CENTRE: Panthers v Sharks, scores, stats, highlights
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But in Cronulla they have an adversary many are tipping to be a thorn in their side, especially if Craig Fitzgibbon has his side ready and firing for tonight’s clash.
Common wisdom suggests horizontal ball movement is the key to beating Penrith, mixed in with second phase play. Cronulla, on their day, excel at those two things.
Whether it will be enough to overcome the greatest side this century, who’ve made winning prelims seem as easy as ducking to the shops for milk, remains to be seen.
What can’t be doubted is this contest will be one for the ages, with the potential to outdo last night’s fiery epic.
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TEAMS
PANTHERS: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Trent Toelau
SHARKS: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 14. Siosifa Talakai 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Daniel Atkinson 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Jayden Berrell
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