Panthers vs Raiders – Round 14, 2017

It’s back to the ‘burbs for Penrith on Saturday as they take on the Raiders in what is sure to be an entertaining contest a city more renowned for its racing track.

Both sides have underperformed so far in 2017 but are still well in the mix for a finals birth.

The Panthers have won three on the trot and will look to extend that streak against a Raiders side needing a win with a tough few weeks ahead of them.

Josh Mansour returned with a bang last week after a lengthy lay off through injury while Matt Moylan’s inspired move to five-eighth proved a masterstroke as the Panthers ran rampant over the Bulldogs.

Luke Bateman returns for the Raiders this week, fresh off the news that centre Joey Leilua has re-signed with the club. Their heart-breaking loss to the Sea Eagles last week saw them drop out of the top eight however they’ll look to build on their stronger second half showing to put some points on a sometimes vulnerable Panthers defence.

Isaah Yeo is enjoying a good run of form in 2017 and will need to be at his best this week against the Raiders 2nd row duo of Josh Papalii and Elliott Whitehead.

This has the making to be one of the games of the round and while the Raiders have a little more value with the books, the Panthers recent run of form is tough to argue with.

Panthers by 6.