A three-week mission begins in the nation’s capital this Saturday. The main target? A home Final.
The Panthers are almost certain to finish in the top four, but a top two finish and a home Final at BlueBet Stadium would be hugely beneficial to the side’s Premiership defence.
And it was all on track nicely until late in last Thursday’s clash between Penrith and Melbourne, when Nathan Cleary left the field with a shoulder injury, sending the stadium into a stunned silence.
On paper, the Panthers should breeze through these final three games. With the Raiders, Rabbitohs and Titans all planning their September holidays and seemingly already packed, the Panthers should be too strong in all three match-ups – especially the final two games at home.
But you can’t count anything out at this time of the year when clubs are trying to find the silver linings in otherwise disappointing seasons, are often blooding new players and have nothing to lose.
And of course, there’s the Cleary factor. The Panthers will rely on a halves combination of Brad Schneider and Jarome Luai to get them through this period ahead of his likely return for the Finals.
Making things even more challenging this Saturday is the loss of Mitch Kenny to suspension, with Luke Sommerton coming in at hooker. Kenny has had an up and down season but you can’t deny his effort in the middle in terms of defence, and he’ll be missed against this large Canberra pack.
Canberra were the most disappointing side of the weekend in Round 24. They were thumped by the Cowboys 42-4 in a game they were never in, delivering a 75 per cent completion rate, conceding nine like breaks and making 14 errors. It has prompted coach Ricky Stuart to make some changes this week.
If Canberra play anything like last week on Saturday afternoon, they’ll get thumped.
But it’s worth nothing that it is their final home game of the season this weekend and teams, even when out of contention, tend to aim up for that occasion – which makes this a bit of a danger game for me.
All of that said, on paper it’s hard to imagine Penrith being beaten this weekend given what is on the line. Canberra make the second most errors of any side in the competition and the Panthers make no apologies for making teams pay for their mistakes.
It has been rinse and repeat for Penrith for some time now, and it’s hard to combat it. Powerful sets started by the likes of Brian To’o and Izack Tago at the back, boosted by James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota as the set wears on, and then excellent execution by the halves and outside backs at the end to grab crucial points.
Penrith just do the little things better. Look at Dylan Edwards’ defensive effort on that Melbourne line break last Thursday night – just sensational awareness and placement, that not many other fullbacks could produce.
I’m not too worried about Penrith’s loss to Melbourne last Thursday night. The fact so many fans have lost their heads over a two point defeat to the competition leaders, as exemplified on social media, is bewildering.
In a season it is not always about winning and losing, but sometimes what those wins and losses tell you. Last Thursday’s loss certainly didn’t spell any danger signs for me.
I don’t think Penrith will run away with this one in Canberra on Saturday but I’m confident enough they’ll get in front and stay there by the time half-time rolls around.
Tip: Panthers by 14.
Penrith and Canberra play at GIO Stadium on Saturday, August 24 at 3pm. The game is live on Fox League and Kayo.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.