Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers: NRL preview, news and how to watch live
All you need to know in the lead up to the live and exclusive round 21 match-up on Kayo between the Raiders and Panthers in Canberra this Saturday (6 August) including news, past history plus when and how to watch.
Canberra will never have a better chance to beat the reigning premier Panthers and make it four straight wins on Saturday back home at GIO Stadium.
Watch live and exclusive here on Kayo and scroll down to catch up on the latest news.
Raiders v Panthers preview
Penrith’s first of five matches without Nathan Cleary starts against a resurgent Canberra making a late charge for finals.
Earlier this week, Cleary pleaded guilty to a grade three dangerous throw charge on Dylan Brown in last week’s 34-10 loss to Parramatta, meaning on-field director-general for the Panthers will not be seen until the first week of finals.
Adding to the headache, Penrith is also expected to be without Jarome Luai, for the same period, with a knee injury.
In their place are Dolphins-bound Sean O’Sullivan and five-eighth Jaeman Salmon, both 23 years of age. Good news for Penrith is whenever asked to fill the huge shoes of Cleary this season – whether through injury or Origin – the team has won every match with O’Sullivan at halfback.
Penrith also has the bonus of a three-point buffer at top of the table heading into finals after carrying their 2021 dominance into 2022.
Origin debutant Stephen Crichton provides a much-needed boost returning on the left edge for Penrith. While, Jordan Rapana returns from suspension replacing Albert Hopoate on the left wing.
Sitting ninth and just outside the eight on for and against, the Raiders have won eight of their past 11 and rediscovered some defensive zeal.
In the opening eight games, Canberra was conceding 24.6 points per game, from round nine onwards that average has dropped to 16.2. Coach Ricky Stuart has cited the combination of Jack Wighton and Jamal Fogarty as pivotal to the surge.
Saturday is Canberra’s only match against a top eight side in the run home followed by the Dragons (home), Knights (away), Sea Eagles (home) and Wests Tigers (away).
What time is Raiders v Panthers?
The game starts at 5.30pm (AEST), 5.00pm (ACST) and 3.30pm (AWST) on Saturday 6 August.
Where is it being played?
GIO Stadium, Canberra.
How do I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast live on Kayo as part of its NRL coverage. Not only can you catch the LIVE fixture and also the replay, but if you miss the action, you can catch up with Kayo Minis and Kayo Bites.
Start your Kayo 14-day free trial today.
What NRL news do I need to know before Saturday?
CODESports has you covered for all the latest NRL news and features.
INCLUDING Nick Cotric rediscovers the fun of rugby league, writes PAMELA WHALEY.
History between Raiders and Panthers
It is almost 31 years since that famous grand final between which gave Penrith it’s first of three premierships and in 79 meetings between the two, the Panthers have the edge with 41 wins to 37 and one draw in 1996.
More recently, Penrith also have the advantage, with seven wins from their last nine matches. Canberra’s two wins during that stretch came in 2019 on their way to the Grand Final.
Team Lists
Canberra Raiders
1. Xavier Savage, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matthew Timoko, 4. Sebastian Kris, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Josh Papalii’i, 9. Zac Woolford, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Adam Elliott
Bench: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Emre Guler, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera
Reserves: 18. Albert Hopoate, 19. Ata Mariota, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Corey Horsburgh, 22. Semi Valemei
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Taylan May, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jaeman Salmon, 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo
Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Charlie Staines
Reserves: 18. Sunia Turuva, 19. Matthew Eisenhuth, 20. Chris Smith, 21. Kurt Falls, 22. Lindsay Smith
Live score updates
Keep up to date with the score for when you’re on the move here.
Where can I read more rugby league?
See the NRL section on CodeSports, or visit the rugby league section on your main state news website – Daily Telegraph / Courier Mail / Herald Sun / Adelaide Advertiser.
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