Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters Verdict
The Roosters are missing Sam Walker and that can lead to a low-scoring games against a Panthers side which is backed to cover the line. Penrith have dominated this head to head with 12 wins in the past 14 meetings.
- Penrith have won 12 of their last 14 games against the Roosters.
- Five of Penrith's last six wins over Sydney have been by 20+ points.
- Penrith conceded only 14.5 points per game during the regular season.
- Eight of Penrith's last 10 games have finished Under 42.5 points.
- Eight of the Roosters' last 10 games have also gone Under 42.5.
- Brian To'o has scored four tries across his last three matches.
Head to Head
Penrith's recent record against the Roosters is difficult to overlook, even after Sydney's 12-6 victory when these sides met in Round 24.
The Panthers smashed the Roosters 40-4 earlier this season and have won 12 of their last 14 meetings overall.
The margins have also been significant. Penrith's last six victories in this matchup have included wins by 36, 28, 20, 24 and 24 points, demonstrating how quickly this contest can get away from Sydney when the Panthers control the middle.
Penrith Panthers Form
Penrith enter the finals on a three-game winning streak after beating the Storm 22-14, Bulldogs 24-10 and Wests Tigers 38-10.
The Panthers haven't needed to produce huge attacking numbers because their defence continues to suffocate opponents. They conceded just 34 points across those three wins and finished the season ranked first defensively.
Isaah Yeo's return strengthens the middle considerably and gives Nathan Cleary another elite link player through the centre of the field.
Penrith's attack also ranks third for points, second for run metres and fourth for linebreaks, giving them a major advantage if this game becomes a battle of field position.
Sydney Roosters Form
Sydney finished the regular season with three consecutive defeats, although last week's 50-20 loss to South Sydney came with a heavily rotated side.
The return of James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins, Victor Radley and several other regular starters makes them a completely different proposition this week.
Sam Walker's absence, however, remains significant.
The Roosters must now find a way to unlock the best defence in the competition without their first-choice halfback, and Penrith have consistently proven capable of limiting Sydney's attacking opportunities.