CommBank Stadium will play host to Sunday's Round 18 NRL game between Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Wests Tigers vs. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday July 17, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Where: CommBank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers Odds
Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers Preview
It’s worst versus first as last-placed Wests Tigers host runaway ladder leaders Penrith at CommBank Stadium.
The Tigers slumped to 16th with their fifth straight loss, a 28-20 defeat to the Eels after scoring the opening two tries of the match. It was an improvement after losing their previous four (including against fellow also-rans the Bulldogs and Warriors) by 20-plus margins.
The 15-1 Panthers took a well-earned break last weekend. Their 26-18 win over a plucky Roosters outfit in Round 16 was one of only two times in 2022 the defending champs haven’t won by 12 points or more. But Ivan Cleary has opted to rest his entire NSW Origin contingent.
Sean O’Sullivan and Kurt Falls will line up in the halves, Robert Jennings and Charlie Staines start out wide, and Chris Smith, Matt Eisenhuth and Mitch Kenny come into the pack. A similar line-up comfortably overcame the Bulldogs 30-18 in Round 13 before the Origin series opener.
Adam Doueihi moves to his preferred five-eighth spot, with Jackson Hastings switching to lock in a gamble from Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley. James Tamou and Ken Maumalo return, but Stefano Utoikamanu.
The Panthers have won eight of their last 10 against the Tigers. The joint venture took advantage of an Origin-depleted Penrith to win 26-6 at Leichhardt in Round 13 last year, but the Panthers prevailed 30-16 in Redcliffe in Round 24.
Despite resting the nucleus of their side, the Panthers are hot $1.36 favourites. There’s still ample firepower and the likes of Dylan Edwards, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Viliame Kikau provide enough leadership to carry the premiers through. But the Tigers will spy an opportunity here and should keep it fairly close.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Penrith Panthers to win at $1.36 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Charlie Staines at $10.00.