Official Match Day Thread: Roosters v Panthers

[Waylander]

This is a great opportunity for us to make a statement. A good performance tonight sets us up for the big games going forward. We need to show that we can match it with the very top teams. Beating the Bronco's in Vegas was a good start, but ultimately Round 1 results don't count for much. We need to now show we can compete with the Panthers.

If the pigs do their job, we win this.

I'm pumped for this one ... can't wait for tonight.

[Rooster_6]

Collins is a big loss, he and Radley have been instrumental in setting the tone for our two wins. Line speed, kick chase, kick pressure, cover defence.. all the little things. You can replace Collins's metres & tackles but the intensity in what he does off the ball is rarely matched amongst front rowers in the game, let alone having someone in the club who can pick that up.

I know the media have written off Penrith but I'm really just hoping it's a competitive game and we don't get any more blow-outs on the scoreboard.

[Billy Gunn]

We are a great chance to win tonight but I can't believe that the Panthers are out to $2.46

Manu and Young a worry in defense, but if we have equal possession hopefully we will break the streak.

[Thirteen]

This is a great opportunity for us to make a statement. A good performance tonight sets us up for the big games going forward. We need to show that we can match it with the very top teams. Beating the Bronco's in Vegas was a good start, but ultimately Round 1 results don't count for much. We need to now show we can compete with the Panthers.

If the pigs do their job, we win this.

I'm pumped for this one ... can't wait for tonight.

Would need to win by 50 to make a statement. I can already hear the “we didn’t have Cleary” excuses.

[Rooster_boy]

We are a great chance to win tonight but I can't believe that the Panthers are out to $2.46

Manu and Young a worry in defense, but if we have equal possession hopefully we will break the streak.

Hoping to see a good defensive performance from Manu. Thought his defence was our only negative last week.

[Bates]

If Robbo wants a challenge, it starts tonight! Time for him to decode Ivan Cleary's winning formula and take these farkers down.

Up The Chooks.

[Seventy Five]

Collins is a big loss, he and Radley have been instrumental in setting the tone for our two wins. Line speed, kick chase, kick pressure, cover defence.. all the little things. You can replace Collins's metres & tackles but the intensity in what he does off the ball is rarely matched amongst front rowers in the game, let alone having someone in the club who can pick that up.

I know the media have written off Penrith but I'm really just hoping it's a competitive game and we don't get any more blow-outs on the scoreboard.

Agree on Collins R6 and this is not a critique but would go further, his effort on effort plays are matched by very few players in any position. He has a massive motor and has come along way from the old flipper hands days. Anyway, I will be happy with just picking up another 2 points tonight, regardless of what the win looks like but please no injuries or suspensions.

[The Lip]

We don't have to make a "statement" who gives a toss about a statement - just get the two points and move on. We need to do nothing but get the W

Spencer made a statement......

[Chook2]

I don’t think dom young is the issue in defence! It’s Manu he needs to cover for Manu as Joey as is slow covering to the right side so young is unsure whether to come in to help cover Manu or stay out
And Joey sometimes does the lazy grab which he gets beaten on the outside
hard when you can’t trust your inside man when your defending outside them

[Waylander]

Would need to win by 50 to make a statement. I can already hear the “we didn’t have Cleary” excuses.

I disagree. If the game lives up to the standard I'm expecting, whoever wins, even by a small margin, will have earned it. Both teams have plenty to play for, as I expect us to be the 2 main players for the title this year. Yes, if we just scrape over the line it won't be such a big deal, but neither do we need to win by 50 to impress anyone.

I also don't think they would make excuses internally, just as Robbo won't make excuses if we lose.

[Vasco]

All this talk about Cleary being the best player in the game. He's good but I think Ponga has more natural skill.

[Vasco]

Penrith will be very tough even without Cleary.

Their reserve grade side would be competitive in the NRL.

[theGman]

Their sligh rake Kenny continues to intentionally impede the path of defenders when they kick on the last tackle.

Roosters forwards pleeez run over the top of him and take the prick out

[Johnny Brass]

Been a long time since we've given the panthers a run for their money, I think tonight we step up to the plate. Walker and Suaalii are showing the benefits of a few pre seasons under their belt and some of the older blokes have a last dance vibe about them this year and look fit and primed to give the comp a real shake.
Like our neighbours at the cricket ground it has the makings of a big year for the moore park precinct.
We have a lot of depth this year which could be a big advantage over the other teams if we are to finish top 4 and preferably top 2.
Will be hard to top last week's pumping of the bunnies but if we can get over the best team in the nrl era we will show we are a real premiership threat even without Cleary.
As the kayo ad says, Get on board.
Easts to win

[King Salvo]

Penrith in the last 2 years have averaged 53% possession and 83% set completions, and with their game based on dominating yardage and field position, they will be very hard to beat if they match those stats in this game.

The Roosters have to play for 80 minutes and be at or near the top of their game, especially stats-wise, as Penrith won't beat themselves.