Panthers v Broncos preview

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Will the injury-hit Panthers overcome a tough start to their 2016 campaign or will the Broncos cruise to their 3rd straight victory? 

The Panthers have shown much promise in their opening games of the season, yet, still they remain 0-2. In both games the Panthers were in positions to grind out close victories, or even extend their winning margin with precise attacking plays. However, in both cases the Panthers surrendered their lead late and fumbled at the final hurdle. Yet, Penrith fans should not be despondent, as without the services of Matt Moylan, Dean Whare and James Segeyaro, the Panthers have shown much resilience in their performances this year and will need to maintain this for 80 minutes in order to defeat a structured Broncos outfit. The Panthers will also need to conquer their tackling woes on Saturday night, having missed 66 tackles already in just two games. With scheming Brisbane halves Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt proving difficult to contain in the middle of the field, the Panthers must ensure they tighten their defence, especially in the middle of the paddock.

The Broncos, however, have never really got out of 2nd gear in the opening stages of the 2016 season, and yet have easily claimed 13 and 15 point victories over the Eels and Warriors respectively. Having only conceded 14 points this season, the Broncos look set to mirror the defensive grunt which secured their position in the 2015 Grand Final. The loss of Corey Oates cannot be understated, having ran for 342 metres in the opening two games of the season. Oates has also scored 2 tries whilst also rampaging for 8 line breaks, and his mingling of a charging bench forward and skilful, fast winger draws comparisons to Penrith's own Josh Mansour, with both integral to the start of their respective side's sets. 

Last meeting: Round 9 2015 - Broncos 8 Panthers 5

Not a memorable one for Penrith fans. Much like that of Penrith's last-gasp loss last week, the Broncos broke the hearts of Panthers fans at Suncorp in Round 9 with a last minute try to Corey Oates securing the home side a thrilling 8-5 victory. 

Who to watch: Both teams possess similar locks in Internationals Corey Parker and Trent Merrin. Both are renowned for being tackling machines who are prone to the flamboyant offload, which often ignite attacking raids. The offload, which Penrith resorted to last year in the absence of their sidelined stars proved vital to contributing to the measly 399 points they amounted last season, and although risky could prove worthwhile if Jamie Soward and Tyron Peachey fail to fire. For the Broncos, with Hunt and Milford looming, offloads from the likes of Parker often provides their star halves with ample room to orchestrate quite simple yet at times dazzling meat pies. 

The favourite: The Broncos are 2-0 and the Panthers are 0-2 and without vital attacking weapons in Matt Moylan, James Segeyaro and Dean Whare. Hence, the Broncos are expected to easily account for the home side.

My tip: The key to this game is complacency. If the Broncos don't provide any relief in defence, they possess a balance of defensive grunt and attacking flair to easily overcome the Panthers. However, in front of a home crowd, one may wonder when the Panthers are finally due. This one really depends on Soward and Peachey and in particular the defensive commitment shown by the Penrith side on their line in their heartbreaking loss to the Bulldogs last week. Penrith have a remarkably positive record over Brisbane considering their previous results, having won 4 of their past 7 against the Broncos. If the Broncos lead here early this one will blow out. However, if the Panthers can gain the upper hand early, they certainly have a strong chance. Although it looks more likely the Broncos will cruise to a 32-6 type victory, I will opt for the upset here as a qualified point of difference. 

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 12. Isaah Yeo 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 18. Te Maire Martin 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 6. Tyrone Peachey 17. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Suaia Matagi 16. James Fisher-Harris 20. Leilani Latu

1. Darius Boyd 2. Greg Eden 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson, Luke Patten;