The first of the NRL matches today is between the Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders with the game being played at Centrbet Stadium. The match is set to commence at 2pm local time. We take a look at the match previews as well as teams and game times.
Penrith Panthers $1.85 vs Canberra Raiders $1.98 at Sportsbet Australia
Penrith Panthers $1.85 vs Canberra Raiders $1.97 at Luxbet Australia
Preview:
The Raiders, on the other hand, achieved more than what most experts imagined possible in 2012. Down key playmaker Terry Campese (knee injury) once again, the Raiders team were swept up in self-belief at the end of last season, winning 10 of their final 14 matches to overcome the odds and make it to week two of the finals. They played an exciting brand of football, especially at the end of the year – scoring exhilarating tries from almost everywhere on the field.
This season the Panthers unveil a new-look line-up. Gone are long-term clubmen including Michael Jennings, Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis – some seemingly unwanted at the foot of the mountains – with a new crop of talent arriving at Penrith. Some of the new faces include former Warriors utility Lewis Brown, outside back Dean Whare, former Knight Wes Naiqama and old Cowboy James Segeyaro. The fresh blood gives Panthers fans some genuine hope of improved results in 2013.
Conversely the Raiders had very little talent depart and arrive in the off-season. It means the stability – and the momentum – developed in the 2012 season remains this year. David Furner’s charges are some of the most exciting and electric young talents in the game too – it all adds up to very good signs for Raiders fans in 2013.
The Panthers finished their three trials undefeated (two wins and a draw) and have a healthy roster. Interestingly, coach Cleary has named Whare at fullback, shifting former No.1 Josh Mansour to the wing. New recruits Brown, Manu and Naiqama also make the starting line-up.
The Raiders also finished the pre-season undefeated, with wins against Melbourne, Wyong and Canterbury. However, they have not named Josh Dugan (lip infection), Jarrod Croker (recovery from knee surgery), Glen Buttriss (ankle) and Terry Campese (knee – indefinite), but club insiders tell us Croker and Dugan are still good chances to play. It’s still a strong squad though, with Jack Wighton – a nine-game NRL rookie – the only included player unproven over an entire season.
Teams:
PENRITH PANTHERS:
Dean Whare, Josh Mansour, Wes Naiqama, Brad Tighe, David Simmons, Lachlan Coote, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Lewis Brown, Nathan Smith
Interchange: James Segeyaro, Nigel Plum, Clint Newton, Jeremy Latimore, Adam Docker (one to be omitted)
CANBERRA RAIDERS:
Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jack Wighton, Blake Ferguson, Edrick Lee, Josh McCrone, Sam Williams, David Shillington, Shaun Berrigan, Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom
Interchange: Matt McIlwrick, Joel Edwards, Mark Nichols, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Brett White (one to be omitted)
