Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders Verdict
Canberra stunned the Panthers in a Golden Point win in Mudgee last year, but I'm not expecting a repeat. The Raiders are not in the best of form and the Panthers can cover a -8.5 line despite their own dip recently.
- Panthers have covered a -8.5 line in 10 of their 14 wins this season
- Panthers have scored 28+ points in eight of their 14 wins this season
- Raiders have failed to cover a +8.5 line in seven of their 10 defeats this season
- Raiders have leaked 28+ points in seven of their 10 defeats this season
- Panthers beat Raiders 30-18 in Canberra in Round 10 this season
- Casey McLean has scored three tries in his last two games vs Raiders & crossed last week
- Owen Pattie has started 13 games at hooker in the NRL & NSW Cup in 2026, scoring seven tries - including two in his last four at NRL level
Panthers vs Raiders Head To Head
Canberra came away with a thrilling 22-18 golden point win over Penrith in Mudgee last year, with Kaeo Weekes scoring a length-of-the-field effort. The Panthers turned the tables with a 30-18 victory in R10 earlier this year.
Penrith Panthers Form - Panthers Steady The Ship
You've always got to expect some dips in Penrith when they are virtually assured of finishing in the top four and have been for quite some time.
It's impossible to play at peak level all season long and timing is everything, so we can expect to see the Panthers with some much-improved performances over the coming weeks.
After losing three of their last four games, the Panthers steadied the ship with a 24-18 victory over the Eels last week.
Penrith recovered from a 12-0 deficit after 14 minutes, responding with four unanswered tries to maintain an outright lead of the competition.
Canberra Raiders Form - 4 Wins Straight
It was a shocking start to the season from Canberra after their minor premiership triumph last year.
The Green Machine lost four of their opening five games and also lost five of six outings between Rounds 10-16.
Ricky Stuart's side have put together a four-game winning streak heading into this contest, but it's almost certainly all too late.
The Raiders came up against a Tigers side that would have lost to most pub teams last week, crushing their hapless opponents 56-10 as Daine Laurie scored a 16-minute hat-trick in the second half.
Panthers vs Raiders Team News
Blaize Talagi has been dropped due to some defensive concerns, with Jack Cogger coming into the Penrith side at five-eighth. Jaxen Edgar stays at fullback with Dylan Edwards sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Owen Pattie returns from suspension at hooker for Canberra, with Tom Starling moving to the bench and Jayden Brailey dropping out.