We take a look at Friday nights (14/09/2018) NRL 2018 Finals Week 2 match between Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers. The Sharks go into the match as favourites although there looks to be some value about the Panthers in what should be a close match. We take a look at both teams odds and give our tips and value tips for the match.
When: 19:40 | Friday 14/09/2018
Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
Cronulla and Penrith will get the 2018 NRL Semi-finals underway in Sydney on Friday night.
The Sharks will be full of confidence heading into this match, despite losing key forward Wade Graham for the remainder of the season. Graham suffered an ACL tear in his side’s eventual loss to the Roosters last weekend and the injury clearly had a physical and mental effect on the Sharks’ performance. Cronulla have enjoyed an excellent run of form through the second half of the season, however and their ability to take big scalps in high-pressure situations will carry them a long way in this.
Penrith remain the rank outsiders to win the 2018 NRL Premiership but were too good for the Warriors in Week 1 of the finals and will be buoyed by that performance and result. The Panthers showed plenty of backbone to fight back into the contest and ultimately ice the game, but they really do face a big step up in class against the Sharks. James Maloney remains the linchpin for the Panthers and the veteran five-eighth can blow this game open, but he will need to be at his best.
Graham’s loss is obviously massive and it does put a question mark over the Sharks’ premiership chances, but they are certainly good enough to win this game and the line is truly miniscule.
There is plenty of value to be found across the board in betting for this game and a player like Valentine Holmes crossing for the first try is certainly worth consideration.
Odds:
Tip: Penrith Panthers at $2.20
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Josh Mansour at $11.00
Teams:
Cronulla Sharks:
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Josh Dugan 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Paul Gallen 14. Kurt Capewell 15. James Segeyaro 16. Aaron Woods 17. Jayson Bukuya 18. Jesse Ramien 19. Ava Seumanufagai 20. Joseph Paulo 21. Kyle Flanagan
TEAM NEWS – Wade Graham (ACL, season) is out of the side with Scott Sorensen to start in the back row for him, Kurt Capewell returning on the bench.
Penrith Panthers:
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Christian Crichton 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Trent Merrin 9. Sione Katoa 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris 14. Tyrone May 15. Moses Leota 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. James Tamou 18. Wayde Egan 19. Jack Hetherington 20. Kaide Ellis 21. Tyrone Phillips
TEAM NEWS – No changes.
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change