Team v Panthers is out

[Mickie Lane]

I was going to say we’re f*#ed but then I thought f*#k it we’re good enough not to use the ref as an excuse. Go Easts.

Hooray. Well done

[Johnny Brass]

The boys will be smarting after last week's flogging , they'll come out fast on Friday it should be a cracker of a game. The other games look like they will be one sided thumpings.
Its been a long time since we have been underdogs and I think they will relish it.

[Fairfax]

This is the game where we miss Sam Verrills. Good luck Freddy!

[2000bluester]

I like the squad, losing Friend is a big loss. We don't have the details yet, but I wonder if Robbo doesn't want to risk Friend at this stage, especially if we have enough to win Friday's match.

Surely Crichton will swap with Sitili before kickoff, as that right edge will have to mark up against Kikau. Lussick will be expected to make 50+ tackles and I expect them to direct traffic his way all night. Seeing Lussick play the full 80 against Raiders a few weeks back, I do not see much value having Lam on the bench, unless it's cover for 6, 7 and 9, otherwise I'd have either Butcher or Aubo in. Penrith's starting 13 is strong but I think we have an edge on the bench, not getting complacent in any way, the boys should be motivated to prove all the doubters wrong.

[Nathan Aboud]

Top side, including the bench stands out... I do like the idea of both Lussick & Lam in the side, Their forwards do tend to tired too early if they have to defend so much which is how some teams almost beat them so the speed from both players, including Tedesco running down that middle will do damage to them as Kikau won't come in the middle. Keep Karisou quiet from dummy half and you keep Cleary with no options to do anything what so ever...

The players we should also watch out for is Kikau and Luai combination on the left....

One key thing, BOTH MANSOUR & TO'O ARE WEAK UNDER THE HIGHBALL SO CLOSE TO THE LINE PUT KICKS UP FOR TUPOU, MANU AND THE MORRIS BOYS ALL NIGHT

[dice]

Even without Friend, when I line those teams up Roosters have a much better team on paper.

I also say that Robbo has made a rod for his own back. If multiple stars get concussed in a prelim final then Robbo will be forced to sacrifice the grand final.

[Bahrain Rooster]

It’s still a great side, hope Freddy can handle the pressure of finals intensity. Would swap Sitili and Angus though, Angus could help protect Flanno defensively.

[2000bluester]

Top side, including the bench stands out... I do like the idea of both Lussick & Lam in the side, Their forwards do tend to tired too early if they have to defend so much which is how some teams almost beat them so the speed from both players, including Tedesco running down that middle will do damage to them as Kikau won't come in the middle. Keep Karisou quiet from dummy half and you keep Cleary with no options to do anything what so ever...

The players we should also watch out for is Kikau and Luai combination on the left....

One key thing, BOTH MANSOUR & TO'O ARE WEAK UNDER THE HIGHBALL SO CLOSE TO THE LINE PUT KICKS UP FOR TUPOU, MANU AND THE MORRIS BOYS ALL NIGHT

Read my mind there Nathan - totally agree with you that Mansour and To'o being susceptible under the high ball, we should send torpedo b0mbs their way all night to test them. Mansour also has an error in him carrying the ball back, so should target him. Panthers haven't fell behind in many games this season, so it will be interesting to see how they handle pressure if we can score first and build a bit of a lead. I will be worried for Kikau's second stint in the second half, I wonder how Robbo will counter that. Tetevano has been good for them off the bench, so we'll need impact and go-forward from Collins when he comes on.

[chopstiks]

Even without Friend, when I line those teams up Roosters have a much better team on paper.

I also say that Robbo has made a rod for his own back. If multiple stars get concussed in a prelim final then Robbo we be forced to sacrifice the grand final.

who is going to concuss our team into oblivion in the prelim ?

shame about Friend, but I suppose with two bites now it makes sense

[Rooster1908]

Dejuvu ,. Were back , friend out and a new young hooker .Reminds me of last year .Smell the 3peat now

[IRoosterManI]

we show up and play at 100% we will win... this is up to US not Penrith.

[Tommy Smith]

That side just makes no sense.

I like it. Tremendous bench impact. Though we may see Angus start over Liu and suddenly the bench make up makes more sense with two props in the rotation.

With Friend out, it meant we had to have both Lussick & Lam as neither could be expected to play 80 min in a finals match of this intensity.

[Mickie Lane]

Top side, including the bench stands out... I do like the idea of both Lussick & Lam in the side, Their forwards do tend to tired too early if they have to defend so much which is how some teams almost beat them so the speed from both players, including Tedesco running down that middle will do damage to them as Kikau won't come in the middle. Keep Karisou quiet from dummy half and you keep Cleary with no options to do anything what so ever...

The players we should also watch out for is Kikau and Luai combination on the left....

One key thing, BOTH MANSOUR & TO'O ARE WEAK UNDER THE HIGHBALL SO CLOSE TO THE LINE PUT KICKS UP FOR TUPOU, MANU AND THE MORRIS BOYS ALL NIGHT

Good luck with that.

[Larry Long Balls]

I say Friend plays.

[Maxy Walker]

If Friend is capable he needs to be playing.

Therefore he’s not capable