GIO Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 21 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday August 6, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Where: GIO Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers Odds
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers Preview
Penrith is six points clear of the field with just two losses against its name. But last Friday’s 34-10 defeat to Parramatta came at a significant cost, Nathan Cleary banned for five weeks after being sent off to join injured halves partner Jarome Luai on the sidelines until the finals.
Jaeman Salmon and Sean O’Sullivan are set to be the Panthers’ halves pairing for the run home. The premiers have been boosted by the return of Stephen Crichton and Mitch Kenny.
Canberra is gamely staying the finals race, holding a share of eighth spot after winning its last three against Melbourne (20-16), the Warriors (26-14) and Gold Coast (36-24). Despite the disruption of injuries and suspensions, the Raiders’ young backline is humming and Nick Cotric and Sebastian Kris finished with doubles against the Titans.
Meanwhile, Jack Wighton is on an absolute tear and finished with three line-break assists on top of 124 running metres last week following his game-turning display against the Warriors in Round 19.
Winger Jordan Rapana comes back from suspension at Albert Hopoate’s expense in the Raiders’ only change this week.
Penrith has won seven of its last nine against Penrith, with the current three-match winning streak all consisting of victories by 16-plus margins. The Panthers pumped the Raiders 36-6 at home in Round 7, though the visitors were gutsier than the scoreline suggested. This is the teams’ first encounter at GIO Stadium since 2018.
Despite the Panthers’ absent linchpins, they are $1.72 favourites on the road – they have lost back-to-back just once since 2019 and certainly won’t roll over. But I’m willing to back the in-form Raiders in here. Wighton and Fogarty are building a strong combination and give the hosts enough of an advantage to get on board with here.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Penrith Panthers to win at $1.60 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Brian To'o at $9.50.