Round 17 – Frothy Friday Previews
Overview
The Panthers head into this major bye week on the back of the massive win over the battling Tiger cubs, while the Rabbitohs did the same sort of damage to the struggling Manly Sea Eagles. The difference between the two teams this week? The Panthers are unaffected by Origin and can field the same team, while the Bunnies have been forced to shuffle a few names around on the team sheet.
Players to watch
David Simmons – After scoring four tries last week, this bloke is the type of guy who is likely to go on a run and could easily bag another four. The chance of that happening though is roughly one in 457,859, but it’s still nice to think about.
Dave Tyrrell – Rocked to the core and back last weekend by a Steve Matai classic, Tyrrell hasn’t had his name on the wrong side of the spotlight like that since he was knocked out early in the Bunnies grand final win last season. Can he make amends and have the spotlight shining in on his good side for once.
Results and score prediction
We’ve said it before, after shooting out of the blocks like a sprinter with a fire cracker up his ass, the Bunnies have fizzled and hopped their way to fifth on the ladder. Just when they look like the defending champions, Origin comes around and steals their best player.
The Panthers have a good chance here to break into the top eight, and we think they might just do that. Even if it just for a few days until the rest of the games are played. Panthers by 12.
Most likely to breathe a sigh of relief
Coach Cleary has had a tough start to the season as his team has endured some serious injury concerns. The same could be said about last season and the season before too, but somehow, the chilled out former custodian always comes out on top. If they Panthers can make it through this game without losing anyone of importance, Cleary might just smile and sigh all in one.
What happened to his resilience?
In his first season with the Bunnies Adam Reynolds made it through injury free until the knockout final when he went down from a stray sniper bullet. The same happened a year later, then last year he finally made it through unscathed and the Bunnies went on to win the grand final. This year he has almost spent more time on the sideline than Paul Gallen playing back to back Origin games. What happened?