Tigers v Penwiff Pamfers Preview

Is Lote any chance of playing in this game??? Does anybody have the good oil on this??? we need as many troops on deck as possible, it will be interesting to see what he has to say for himself tonight on NRL on fox, really if they dont aim up on saturday night then we have big problems, though we could be catching the pamfers at a bad time, but at least they are a little depleted as well.
 
Tigers v Panthers preview

NRL.com Wed, May 18, 2011 - 2:40 PM

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers
Campbelltown Stadium
Saturday 7.30pm

The battle of the big cats is upon us – and just in time for Panthers fans, as their team finds a little form. Since the Wests Tigers joined as an entity in 2000 the Panthers have loved nothing more than taking on the joint venture, winning 74 per cent of the matches between the clubs. It’s a stat which no doubt scares Wests Tigers’ fans who know their side needs to find some rhythm and inject consistency into their season.

Last week the Tigers were blown away by South Sydney in a match they were favoured to win. They have now lost three of their past four games and have slipped back to eighth on the ladder with a 4-5 record, only in the finals zone by points differential. As one of the teams many expected to be setting the pace, Tim Sheens’ boys have failed to live up to the hype. But with the representative season now upon us they have a huge advantage due to the fact they are without representation. Their side won’t be disrupted this weekend like many others and they have in fact named the same unit from last week for this clash (Bryce Gibbs does come in as an extra man on the bench). The match will be Liam Fulton’s 100th NRL game.

For the Panthers, last week’s timely win over the Broncos was a huge boost. They had been poor for the majority of the year but with the Phil Gould announcement they seemed to lift a gear – it’s amazing what playing for your future can do! Unfortunately for the visitors, just as they hit some form they are also hit by injuries… and Origin.

Skipper Petero Civoniceva is in the Queensland camp, which brings Tim Grant in to start at prop. Fullback Michael Gordon and centre Timana Tahu both suffered serious injuries and are gone for the season. The returning Lachlan Coote will wear the No.1, while Adrian Purtell shifts from wing to centre and Sandor Earl comes onto the wing. Nafe Seluini is also out, with Masada Iosefa taking his bench spot. Matthew Bell is currently the 18th man.

Watch Out Wests Tigers: Luke Lewis returned from injury for the Panthers last week and it’s no surprise they lifted with his presence. The back-rower is all class and could easily have walked back into the New South Wales side. His skill and power on the right edge is something the Tigers must be wary of – and don’t be surprised if he also bobs up on the left.

Lewis’ great footwork to leave Peter Wallace grabbing at air early in the match last week was sublime and then his powerful running saw him crash through two others to score. He averages five tackle-breaks a match this year in his limited time and will be out to prove he is ready for Ricky Stuart should he need him later in the Origin series.

Danger Sign: When he slots into a second-receiver position, as another five-eighth, Lewis can really put a dent in the opposition. Defenders don’t know whether he will run or pass or kick, as he can do it all. And, if he chooses to run, it generally takes at least two men to bring him down. If either slips off, the offload comes and away goes a team-mate into space.

Watch Out Panthers: Surely Robbie Farah is going to be primed for a huge performance. He has again been overlooked for Origin duty, despite being the catalyst for a mini-fightback against Souths last week. Farah should be pumped and ready to play the Panthers, as they have shown real weakness to clever dummy-half play so far this year. In fact, they have leaked more tries from dummy-half than any other side in the NRL (with seven notched against them). Farah can spot a weakness around the markers better than most and will certainly exploit the visitors if they get lazy.

Danger Sign: If Farah lifts the ball and takes a step or two before passing early in the match, you he’s doing so to get a feel for the markers and their reaction times. If he senses weakness, he’ll be gone before they blink.

Plays To Watch: Brad Tighe with white line fever – he needs just two tries to get 50 for his career; Lachlan Coote chasing Luke Walsh kicks; Chris Heighington looking to cash in off a Benji Marshall short ball.

Where It Will Be Won: Discipline and desire to defend. While it would be easy to dismiss a focus on defence in this clash, the fact is it will be the side that decides to knuckle down and grind it out who will gain the edge.

Both sides can really get on a roll if they are allowed to – but they are also prone to ‘frustration’ errors when denied good field position. The key here will be the first 20 minutes. Last week the Wests Tigers were poor early and the Panthers were great – it set the tones for their results. The side that decides they are going to respect the ball and build pressure early will come out on top.

The History: Played 19; Wests Tigers 5, Panthers 14\. The Wests Tigers snapped a five-game losing streak against the Panthers with a 43-18 win at this very ground last season. It was the only time they have beaten the Panthers at Campbelltown, with the visitors winning all three previous matches. If the Wests Tigers can buck the trend and win again it will be the first time in their history they have won five straight games at Campbelltown.

Conclusion: For some reason the Panthers lift to play the Wests Tigers, so tipping this match is tough. On form from last week the Panthers look specials but Penrith haven’t put two good games together this year.

The Wests Tigers are a Jekyll-and-Hyde team – at times they seem disinterested and others they look more than capable of taking home the premiership. Which team will turn up?

We think the home side will lift and get back on track – but don’t put your house on it.

Match Officials: Referees – Ben Cummins & Brett Suttor; Touch Judges – Daniel Eastwood & Jason Walsh; Video Ref – Paul Simpkins.

Televised: Fox Sports – Live 7.30pm.

* Statistics: NRL Stats.
 
@you know who said:
Is Lote any chance of playing in this game??? Does anybody have the good oil on this??? we need as many troops on deck as possible, it will be interesting to see what he has to say for himself tonight on NRL on fox, really if they dont aim up on saturday night then we have big problems, though we could be catching the pamfers at a bad time, but at least they are a little depleted as well.

No chance…
 
Sportal Preview:

Preview: Tigers v Panthers
VENUE & TIME: Campbelltown Stadium, Saturday, May 21, 7.30pm (AEST), 9.30pm (NZT)
COVERAGE: Fox Sports/Sky Sport
HEAD TO HEADPlayed 19, Panthers 14, Tigers 5
LAST TIME: Tigers 43 - Panthers 18 at Campbelltown Stadium, Round 23, 2010

WALKING WOUNDED: The Panthers were without centre Michael Jennings with knee/hamstring troubles last week and he will be absent for this game as well after being selected in the Blues' Origin side. Skipper Petero Civoniceva will also be on Origin duty, while Lachlan Coote (groin) makes a timely return to the full-back role in the wake of season-ending injuries to both Michael Gordon (knee) and centre Timana Tahu (pectoral muscle). Prop Tim Grant returns to fill the Civoniveca void.

The Tigers were extremely disappointing against the Rabbitohs last week, but coach Tim Sheens has resisted the temptation for changes, naming the same 17 for this clash. The club hopes winger Lote Tuqiri (broken arm) and back-rower Gareth Ellis (ankle) will return for next Sunday week's blockbuster against the Dragons.

FORM: The announcement of Phil Gould's return to the Panthers' fold worked wonders for the mountain men last Friday night, producing a stirring 33-10 demolition of the previously in-form Broncos at home. With the great 'Gus Mercurial' looking on and making decisions on future contracts, expect to see more desperation in the Panthers' ranks in the coming weeks. They are only two points shy of the top eight.

Complacency killed the Tigers in the first half of their clash against an undermanned Rabbitohs last weekend. A woeful defensive effort up the middle in the first half resulted in a 27-point deficit at the break, meaning the game was as good as gone despite some brighter play in the second stanza.

WHO'S HOT: Gordon was absolutely stunning for the Panthers against Brisbane last Friday night, with his power-running from the back proving almost impossible for the Broncos to control. Gordon would have made the NSW Origin side had he not suffered a season-ending injury during the game.

The Tigers had few stars against the Rabbitohs on the weekend, but prop Keith Galloway was solid enough to at least prove he wouldn't let the Blues down if required in Games 2 and 3 of the Origin series.

WE THINK: Injuries and Origin representation have come at a less-than-ideal time for the Panthers and they may well struggle to overcome a Tigers side that has been unaffected by Origin duty. There are several players in that Tigers line-up with a point to prove following last Saturday night's first-half embarrassment against Souths and skipper Robbie Farah will be extra keen to perform given his NSW Origin snub. The Tigers love playing at Campbelltown, winning their past four encounters at the ground. Tigers by 12.
 
Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers
May 19, 2011 - 7:01PM

Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (AEST)
Last meeting: Round 23 2010 - Tigers 43 bt Panthers 18 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Stats: Head-to-head
Referees: Ben Cummins, Brett Suttor
TV: Live, FoxSports 2
TAB Sportsbet: Tigers $1.33 Panthers $3.25
FootyTab: Panthers +8.5

Greg Prichard writes: The Tigers haven't lost any players to State of Origin, which would give the club mixed feelings. Hooker Robbie Farah was unfortunate to miss out, but at least he will there to scheme around the rucks with his partner in attacking crime, Benji Marshall. The non-representation is a reminder that Tigers centre Chris Lawrence is still out injured. He would have been a big chance for NSW selection had he been fit and firing. Injuries have been a significant problem for the Tigers this season, contributing to their inconsistent form.

The Panthers have lost centre Michael Jennings to Origin. Jennings didn't play in the big win at home by the Panthers over the Broncos last weekend, but they really could have done with him this week due to injuries forcing other changes in the backline. Winger turned fullback Michael Gordon and centre Timana Tahu are both gone. Lachlan Coote returns from injury to fullback, while Adrian Purtell moves from wing to centre and Sandor Earl comes in on the wing. The battle of the big cats is often unpredictable, but the Tigers are understandably clear favourites at home.
 
you are only as good as your last performance.
penrith were good.
wests-tigers were not.
here's hoping its a reversal of fortunes this week.
 
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