BlueBet Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 20 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Dolphins. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Dolphins game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday July 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Where: BlueBet Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Penrith Panthers vs Dolphins Odds
Penrith Panthers vs Dolphins Preview
This Sunday afternoon encounter is overwhelmingly about one player, the returning Nathan Cleary but its also a massively important assignment for the Dolphins.
Penrith, after a gritty 14-6 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium before last weeks bye, have listed Origin reps Jarome Luai, Brian Too and Liam Martin in the reserves, but Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo will be rested.
Daine Laurie slots in at fullback for the Panthers. Clearys first appearance since limping off with a hamstring injury in Round 10 is an enormous boost; Brad Shneider will partner him if Luai does not back up from the decider.
The sixth-placed Dolphins were on a worrying 1-4 run leading into the Round 18 bye, but they grabbed a much-needed two points from a 36-28 win over streaking Souths last Thursday.
Trai Fuller was outstanding again at fullback, but hell revert to the bench if Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow comes through Origin unscathed.
Maroons enforcer Felise Kaufusi has also been named to back up, but Euan Aitken (pec) has been sidelined.
The clubs have only met once, with an Origin-depleted Panthers side grafting out a 20-14 win in Redcliffe in Round 20 last year.
The Dolphins have conceded 24-plus in six straight games, a concerning stat coming up against a Panthers side that has leaked more than 22 just once this season.
With or without Origin players, the discrepancy in defensive steel should prove the difference at Penrith, where the three-time premiers will be fired up to redress the balance after dropping two of their last three home games during an arduous rep program.
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Penrith Panthers vs Dolphins Tip
We're tipping Penrith Panthers to win at $1.20 odds.
Penrith Panthers vs Dolphins Teams
Panthers team: 1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Brad Schneider 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luron Patea 18. Isaiah Iongi 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Soni Luke 21. Tyrone Peachey 22. Jarome Luai 23. Brian To’o 24. Liam Martin
Dolphins team: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Trai Fuller 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Tesi Niu 20. Anthony Milford 21. Mason Teague 22. Oryn Keeley