How will the Panthers respond to the dark days that have enveloped their club in recent weeks when they take on their western Sydney rivals on Sunday afternoon?
The Panthers enter the 2019 Telstra Premiership rated among the top echelon of sides. They'll be determined to put a tough couple of weeks behind them come game day, but achieving such plans is often easier said than done.
The Eels, on the other hand, have had a smooth pre-season. They'll be eager to snare an early scalp following a largely disappointing 2018.
Parra led 14-0 after 30 minutes of the corresponding round one clash last year before the mountain men scored the final 24 points.
The first match of Ivan Cleary's second run as Penrith coach will be closely watched for many reasons.
Match: Panthers v Eels
ROUND 1 - Away Team Eels
Venue: Panthers Stadium
The Rundown
Key match-up
Nathan Cleary v Mitchell Moses. This is Mitchell Moses' sixth year in the NRL. He has mixed periods of brilliance with others in which he has struggled for consistency. In this match he will take on Nathan Cleary, the Panthers star who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since breaking into the NRL in 2016. If Cleary can continue the upward trajectory he has enjoyed each year of his career, something special beckons in 2019.
For the Panthers to win
Unity is a big word in team sport, and the unity among the Penrith players has been put to the test in recent weeks. On paper, they have a stronger squad than the Eels, so if they're playing with clear minds and a common purpose a win should follow.
For the Eels to win
If the Eels forwards can match it with their Penrith counterparts, it will be up to Clint Gutherson and Moses to work some magic with ball in hand. The pair are good enough to produce match-winning displays on their day. Eels fans are hoping such days come along with regularity in 2019.
And another thing ...
Blake Ferguson had a superb 2018, a string of performances he turned into a multi-year deal with the Eels. If he can replicate that form for his new club, the Eels will have gone a long way towards replacing Parramatta fan favourite Semi Radradra. A big ask, but Ferguson is good enough to make that happen.
Stat Attack - Panthers
The Panthers topped the NRL missed tackles in 2018. If they are to turn another season which features finals football into one which has them playing in the final match of the season, their tackling has to improve. It's as simple as that.
Stat Attack - Eels
Finishing with the wooden spoon in 2018 was the stat that still hurts the Eels the most. The fact they only just 15.8 points per game last year was a major contributor that woe. An improvement in that department is sure to lead to more wins.
Replies
Panthers 30 Parramatta 8 we cant win over there when there is 2 points up for grabs
Parra will win
20-10
panthers 19
parra 18
Cleary slots one on the hoota
Whose nose gets the ball?
I hope we smash them,but my head says they will bush wack us panthers 24 eels 20
Panthers vs Eels, Round 1 - Title of their next sex tape.
Eels to win if they are mentally able to play 80 minute games.
I’m hearing Jr Paulo is in Doubt for this game
eels 18- Penrith 12
28 - 16 to the Eels on the back of some real go forward from th e pack and shutting down the Penrith off-loads in the tackles - failure to do this last season cruelled our chances in too many games
Eels, 24-20
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