A clash of the heavyweights kicks off Round 4 with the Roosters and Panthers coming off impressive wins and looking to make a statement in a Thursday night blockbuster.
The Roosters put paid to old rivals Souths with a devastating display at Allianz Stadium some 24 hours after defending premiers Penrith had rolled over the Broncos in the grand final rematch.
The Panthers had the wood on Trent Robinson's men in 2023, racking up a combined score of 70-10 in two big wins, the second of those coming at Allianz Stadium in Round 15 with Nathan Cleary sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Both sides are now 2-1 on the season and starting to find their groove although the Roosters get Luke Keary (head knock) back, while Sandon Smith (elbow) and Lindsay Collins (hamstring) remain out with injuries suffered against the Rabbitohs.
The Panthers were hoping to have enforcer James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) back on deck as they look to match motors with 300-gamer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Terrell May and co in the engine room.
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Team News
Roosters: Sam Walker has been cleared to play after two independent doctors appointed by the NRL Chief Medical Officer ruled his Category 1 HIA against the Rabbitohs should have been deemed a Category 2. He is joined in the halves by Luke Keary, who has served the 11-day concussion protocols after he suffered a concussion in Round 2. Lindsay Collins is out with a hamstring injury, replaced at prop by Terrell May with Egan Butcher added to the bench for his first NRL game of the season. One hour before kick-off, there were no late changes, with Siua Wong dropping from the extended bench with Michael Jennings the 18th player.
Panthers: Coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed his line-up with no late changes an hour from kick-off. Paul Alamoti drops from the extended bench, with Soni Luke the 18th player. A huge blow with Nathan Cleary set to miss four weeks with a hamstring injury, while Scott Sorensen (knee) is also out. Brad Schneider is the new No.7 in his first game back in the NRL after a stint in England and Luke Garner is promoted to start in the back row. Mavrik Geyer, son of 1991 grand final hero Mark, will make his NRL debut off the bench.
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Stat Attack
- The Roosters have scored 110 points in their past three games at Allianz Stadium.
- The Panthers have won their past eight games against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have won seven of their past nine games at Allianz Stadium.
- Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has scored eight tries in his past seven NRL games.
- The Roosters have conceded 20 points or more in their past eight games against the Panthers.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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