Dragons v Panthers preview

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Two sides looking to capitalise upon last-start upset victories meet on a blockbuster Easter Sunday. Will their last round triumphs pave the way for success in 2016, or will any associated momentum vanish with defeat on Sunday afternoon? 

For the Panthers, their victory over the highly-fancied Broncos was monumental in context to the opening rounds of their 2016 campaign. Having lost their first two clashes in the final minutes, the Panthers were finally able to capitalise on momentum and field possession, recording an unlikely 23-22 victory over the Broncos. Rookie Te Maire Martin justified pre-season hype and this writer's own personal opinions with a scintillating first up display, making 3 tackle busts, 4 line breaks, 22 tackles, 1 try and ultimately the field goal which decided the fate of the Brisbane side. Martin will look to continue this form and is only bound to improve with every match, and the inclusion of Trent Merrin to the Penrith side will only strengthen his attacking opportunities. The Panthers will be a far more potent attacking side come Sunday, a worrying sign for the Dragons, with the Panthers back to their offloading best on Saturday night, making 21 offloads which was pivotal in their four tries scored. This, however, largely contributed to 14 errors.

The Dragons on the other hand, fought hard to claim a two point victory over the previously high flying Rabbitohs. Without Benji Marshall, the Dragons were able to show the defensive grit of their 2015 campaign and secure a much relieving victory. The Dragons on a whole were impressive in their discipline in soggy conditions at the SCG only making 7 errors, missing 14 tackles and conceding 7 penalties. The Panthers, conversely, are repeat offenders at missing tackles, failing to make 37 tackles in last week's victory, whilst overall averaging a whopping 34 a game. However, yet a gain the Dragons have struggled to score points in 2016, averaging just under 9 points a game, compared to a commendable 18 points a game conceded. The Panthers, on the contrary have averaged just over 20 points a game this season and conceded a below average 23 points a game. 

Last meeting: Round 24 2015 - Dragons 19 Panthers 12

Who to watch: A key match-up for this one will be between opposite five-eighths Gareth Widdop and boom rookie Te Maire Martin. Widdop guided his side home against the Rabbitohs in appalling conditions, with his kicking game proving vital to their victory. Statistics indicate that Widdop produced 18 kicks, and his control of field possession will be key to the Dragons if they are to grind out another tight affair. Martin, however, was able to blend both control and flair in his impressive debut performance against the Broncos. His composure was exemplary, as evident in his game winning field goal and the previously mentioned attacking statistics highlight the aspects of individual brilliance he provides to the Penrith side. His influence in attack, especially from inside Penrith's own half could prove an issue for the Dragon's big men in the middle, particularly with the offloading ability of the likes of Bryce Cartwright and Trent Merrin.

The favourite: It seems very little can separate these two sides, with the Dragons only slight favourites on the likely basis of home ground advantage.

My tip: Penrith have won 5 of their past 6 against the Dragons and I expect this poor record for the home side to continue on Easter Sunday. This game should be decided by either the Dragons' superior defence or Penrith's expansive attack. I believe it may be the latter, especially taking into account that despite the risk associated with offloads, it was only through this 'off-the-cuff' style of play that the Panthers could break one of the more disciplined defences in the game. Penrith have impressed me more in the opening rounds and will look to continue offloading to victory in the confirmed absence on Moylan on Sunday afternoon. Panthers by 13.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Peter Mata'utia 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Russell Packer 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 18. Jake Marketo 15. Michael Cooper 16. Will Matthews 17. Siliva Havili

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Suaia Matagi 20. James Fisher-Harris

Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;