Friday’s NRL 2018 Round 8 match is between Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:55 local time with the game to be played at Panthers Stadium. The home team Penrith Panthers are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs.
When: 19:55 | Friday 27/04/2018
Where: Panthers Stadium
Preview:
Coming fresh from a loss and copping another blow to their outside back stocks with Josh Mansour suffering a cheekbone injury, the Panthers will have to quickly regroup to match an improving Bulldogs outfit.
KEY BATTLE: Raymond Faitala-Mariner v Viliame Kikau
The matchup from the two backrowers is one that will be watched with intent.
Both are destructive ball runners and provide so much punch for their side.
Throw in some fancy footwork and second phase play makes for a quality showing.
The Verdict
I like what Anthony Griffen has created there and the skill level might just be enough to get them home at the foot of the mountains.
Unibet Odds:
Penrith Panthers at $1.50
Canterbury Bulldogs at $2.63
Odds:
OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!
Tip: Penrith Panthers at $1.56
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Brett Morris at $12
More Info:
Teams:
Penrith Panthers:
1 Dylan Edwards, 2 Christian Crichton, 3 Corey Harawira-Naera, 4 Dean Whare, 5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6 Tyrone Peachey, 7 James Maloney, 8 Trent Merrin, 9 Peter Wallace (c), 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11 Viliame Kikau, 12 Isaah Yeo, 13 James Fisher-Harris Interchange: 14 Sione Katoa, 15 Jack Hetherington, 16 Moses Leota, 17 James Tamou Reserves: 18 Wayde Egan, 19 Nick Lui-Toso, 20 Thomas Eisenhuth, 21 Kaide Ellis.
Canterbury Bulldogs: 
1 Moses Mbye, 2 Brett Morris, 3 Josh Morris, 4 Will Hopoate, 5 Marcelo Montoya, 6 Jeremy Marshall-King, 7 Kieran Foran, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Michael Lichaa, 10 David Klemmer, 11 Josh Jackson (c), 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13 Adam Elliott Interchange: 14 Asipeli Fine, 15 Danny Fualalo, 16 Greg Eastwood, 17 Kerrod Holland Reserves: 18 John Olive, 19 Rhyse Martin, 20 Renouf Toomaga, 21 Matthew Frawley.
NRL News:
Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita has made the bold admission he was scared to take the field for the Sharks’ NRL upset win over Penrith.
In the absence of senior forwards Paul Gallen and Wade Graham, and after losing Luke Lewis to a calf injury in the 12th minute, Fifita stepped up with an inspirational effort on Sunday.
With his side down on troops, Fifita played all but seven minutes of the 26-22 win at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
Fifita’s impact was immense as he charged for 130m and made 35 tackles.
With the Sharks’ three most experienced players on the sideline, Fifita also stepped up to take on captaincy duties for the first time.
However, he said he almost pulled out of the match, such was his anxiety after suffering a knee injury last week.
The Tongan international initially feared he had a season-ending ACL tear, of which he was subsequently cleared, and the episode played with his head.
“To be honest, I was fearing myself this morning,” Fifita said.
“I was that scared to take the field today, with my knee and all that.
“I got a little help from my dad and he pushed me over the line on Tuesday night.
“It’s a credit to my physio. He worked on me every day – night and day. He got me in on my days off and got me ready for a match that was unexpected.
“Last week I was thinking my season’s finished. Here were are the following week.”
Asked about his father’s influence on his ability to get back on the park, Fifita said he had received “old-school Tongan treatment” on his knee.
“You feel like crying when he does it,” Fifita said.
“It is what it is and it enabled me to play today and I’m grateful.”
Lewis’ calf injury isn’t believed to be serious and he was walking freely in the sheds afterwards.
