Sunday’s NRL 2017 Round 24 match is between Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers. The opening kick is set to commence at 14:00 local time with the game to be played at GIO Stadium. The away team Penrith Panthers are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers.

When: 14:00 | Sunday 20/08/2017

Where: GIO Stadium

Preview:

Something has to give when the NRL’s two runaway juggernauts collide in Canberra. Sixth-placed Penrith have won six straight while Canberra are 10th with four victories in five games, including three consecutive triumphs. The Raiders will be desperate to keep alive their finals hopes and have been boosted by rampaging centre Joey Leilua being cleared of a knee complaint. Penrith have replaced veteran hooker Peter Wallace (broken hand) with Sione Katoa, while Trent Merrin is not expected to return from a knee injury despite being named in the squad. Penrith may be flying high but were unconvincing against an injury ravaged Cowboys last round, relying on young halfback Nathan Cleary’s two try heroics to extend their streak. The Panthers play their first away game since round 19. Canberra have won four of the last six games at home against Penrith.

Key: They may be known for their scoring prowess but Canberra’s defence has shone during their finals tilt, restricting rivals to 20 points or less for their last five games, winning four.

Tip: Panthers

Odds:

OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!

Tip: Penrith Panthers a $2.60

Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Josh Mansour at $13.00

More Info:

Head to Head: Raiders 20, Panthers 19

Last clash: Round 20 2017 Panthers 24 bt Raiders 20 at Bathurst

Sportsbet: Raiders $1.57 Panthers $2.40

FootyTAB: Panthers +4.5

Teams:

Raiders:

1. Jack Wighton 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Joseph Tapine 13. Elliot Whitehead 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Clay Priest 16. Dave Taylor 17. Luke Bateman 18. Michael Oldfield 19. Jeff Lima 20. Royce Hunt 21. Erin Clark

Panthers:

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Tyrone Peachey 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Sione Katoa 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Moses Leota 14. Tyrone May 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. Tim Browne 17. James Fisher-Harris 18. Trent Merrin 19. Dean Whare 20. Viliame Kikau 21. Mitch Rein

NRL News:

Fumbling around for a solution to their NRL woes, the Warriors will lean on Canterbury-bound star Kieran Foran to add attacking polish in their NRL clash with South Sydney.

Five-eighth Foran missed last weekend’s 36-16 loss to Canberra – the Warriors’ sixth straight defeat – with a minor lat strain.

Deprived of Foran and halfback Shaun Johnson, coach Stephen Kearney punted on youthful duo Mason Lino and Ata Hingano in the halves.

Yet, despite their energy, Lino and Hingano struggled to break the Raiders down, particularly during a period of second-half territorial dominance.

As a result, Foran will be paired with Hingano for Friday’s match in Sydney – the Warriors’ fifth starting halves combination of 2017.

“Particularly last weekend, we lacked a little bit of polish with a number of sets on the tryline and we couldn’t quite nail the opportunities we had – that’s why Kieran comes back into the fold,” Kearney said.

Johnson, who ruptured a posterior cruciate ligament in July against Penrith, could be back on the field before the end of the season.

Kearney said his playmaker-in-chief was making good progress on his rehab and might pull on the No.7 jumper for next week’s match against Manly.

If not, Johnson would likely play their final game of 2017 against the Tigers.

Foran, who struggled at times to connect with Lino during their three games in the saddle, said he was looking forward to playing with Hingano.

He hoped their Warriors teammates could help make things happen.

“Ata’s really progressed well through the year and showed everyone last week what he’s capable of. He can break a game wide open,” Foran said.

“Mason and Ata found themselves making a few line-breaks last week, breaking through, but we just need guys pushing up in support for that final pass.”