Round 18 – Frothy Friday Previews
Overview
When the Raiders take on the Knights and the Panthers take on the Roosters this Friday night, we will be on the downhill part of the season, heading for home.
These four teams however can not afford to button off at all. Well maybe the Knights can, because they are a far cry from reaching the finals this season. For the other three teams though, winning is key, just like it is in any sport. Nobody likes a loser.
Players to watch
Edrick Lee – After spending the week in camp with Queensland and then soaking up the glory on the sidelines after Wednesday nights emphatic win, Lee will be ‘frothing at the gash’ to get out and play some footy.
Mitchell Pearce – Some have written he can hold his head high for trying on Wednesday night, we disagree. Watching the game, Pearce was only spotted twice all night. If Daley persists with him next season it might just be eight more in a row.
Pearce needs a strong showing against a hungry Panthers team to get his confidence levels back to premiership winning level.
Result and score predictions
The Knights are gone. Beau Scott is facing a couple of weeks on the bench after Wednesdays tip tackle on Parker and well the rest of the team is in disarray. Canberra will welcome back a pumped up Papalii, who became the first Canberra Raider to score a try at Origin level since Adam Mogg in 2006. Raiders by plenty.
In the other game, the Panthers are pushing hard for a spot in the eight. Only points differential separates fourth to eighth, while the Mountain Men are only an extra win away.
The Roosters have been good of late, and their side seems to be building much like they did back in 2013. A close tight game, but the ever improving men from the west might just sneak in here at home. Panthers 18 – 16.
Most likely to be hurling abuse
As per his contract switch from the Knight to the Raiders, Joey Leilua has to sit this one out. You can be sure he will be sitting close enough to the sideline that his former teammates will be able to smell the mince ‘n’ cheese he gobbles down as he hurls some abusive taunts Newcastle’s way.
Most likely to find the highlight reel
Two youngsters come to mind here. Bryce Cartwright is on some sort of run. His form is that good, he is being talked about as a future legend already. Likewise is RTS. This kid has some freakish feet, and the Penrith Panthers can’t be caught watching them, cause Roger will dance his way right past.