Hullo footy fans!
Welcome to Thursday night football, a clash between the Panthers and the Dolphins.
Round six is upon us, and the Panthers haven’t won a single match in Australia.
The Mountain Men began the season chasing a historic five-peat, but they’re not staring down the barrel of five straight losses. Who woulda thunk it?
Panthers players need to lift to revive their season.Credit: Getty Images
The Dolphins are equally desperate. They finally cracked it for their first win last weekend under Kristian Woolf, but they will fall out of contention if they can’t back it up here.
It’s a battle between the premiers and NRL’s newest team, between NSW and Queensland, between 14th and 15th.
Get around it as we bring you all the live action.
Hammer time!
What a start for the Dolphins. After putting that early error behind them, the hosts have exploded out of the blocks.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scores the opening try after the ’Phins gave strike centre Herbie Farnworth time and space to showcase his skills. Those two are going to be an absolute handful for this Penrith defence.
Jamayne Isaako converts and it’s 6-0 after less than five minutes.
Horror start for big prop
The first play of the game and Dolphins prop Daniel Saifiti would have been keen to put his stamp on the game.
Instead, he drops the ball from the opening hit-up. To make matters worse, the Dolphins burn a challenge after incorrectly questioning the call.
At least the hosts were able to defend the error.
The lowdown from Robert Dillon
My co-pilot on the blog this evening is esteemed colleague Robert Dillon.
Here’s his preview of proceedings …
“Four in a row … sounds better when you’re talking about grand final victories than a losing streak.
“But that’s the equation for premiers Penrith as they count down to their clash with the Dolphins at Suncorp tonight. The Panthers are in grave danger of losing their fifth straight game, which would have been unthinkable just a few weeks ago.
The Dolphins are ready to spring an upset.Credit: NRL Photos
“The pressure is mounting on Ivan Cleary’s men, and they won’t have it easy against the ’Phins. The home side is pretty close to full strength and coming off a good win last week, so the champs are going to have to earn this.”
Is Joey Manu coming back to the NRL?
Plenty of rugba league news around today.
Colleague Michael Chammas revealed a surprising development regarding the future of Joey Manu.
The cross-code star could be switching back to the NRL … and not necessarily the Roosters.
Is Joey Manu returning to the NRL?Credit: JRLO
Click here for the full story.
Master and the apprentice
Nathan Cleary versus Isaiya Katoa. One is at the absolute peak of their powers, the other is tipped to eventually succeed him as the game’s preeminent playmaker.
Tonight, we get to witness them go head to head in a clash that will have huge ramifications for their respective teams’ premiership hopes.
Nathan Cleary and Isaiya Katoa.Credit: Michael Howard
Already, there is talk that Katoa is behind only Cleary, Jahrome Hughes, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jarome Luai as the game’s best No.7.
Don’t take my word for it though; check out this Andrew Johns column, where the Eighth Immortal breaks down the game of two NRL superstars.
Big in for Panthers
Dylan Edwards is back.
The NSW and Australian fullback is a huge inclusion after missing three games with a groin injury. However, the Panthers aren’t quite at full strength.
Scott Sorenson returns from concussion) but Mitch Kenny (shoulder) and five-eighth Jack Cole (head knock) are out.
Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards.Credit: NRL Imagery
I’m very interested to see how Blaize Talagi combines with Nathan Cleary. This is the reason they poached him from Parramatta.
I remember watching hooker Luke Sommerton in a trial three or four years ago, and he was the best player in the field. Good to see him adding to his six NRL appearances.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, welcome back skipper Tom Gilbert from suspension.
Hullo footy fans!
Welcome to Thursday night football, a clash between the Panthers and the Dolphins.
Round six is upon us, and the Panthers haven’t won a single match in Australia.
The Mountain Men began the season chasing a historic five-peat, but they’re not staring down the barrel of five straight losses. Who woulda thunk it?
Panthers players need to lift to revive their season.Credit: Getty Images
The Dolphins are equally desperate. They finally cracked it for their first win last weekend under Kristian Woolf, but they will fall out of contention if they can’t back it up here.
It’s a battle between the premiers and NRL’s newest team, between NSW and Queensland, between 14th and 15th.
Get around it as we bring you all the live action.
