Official Match Day Thread: Roosters v Panthers

[Thirteen]

I just hope one of Cleary’s zits doesn’t explode onto one of our players. Last thing we need is even more players out for the season.

[BraveTheWorld]

Looking forward to this one to be honest. It's kind of nice going in with tampered expectations for once. Most weeks for the last few years I have expected us to win by at least 20, even against good opposition.

I definitely give us a chance here. Panthers are of course favourites, but I've got us at something like a 30% chance to win. If you go through the two teams player-for-player, we probably have the better counterparts in about 7 positions.

Like most everyone else has said, I mainly want us to be competitive and tough for the 80-minutes. I said in another thread, and will reiterate, that we can absolutely be a dark horse in this comp, and if we lose this game that doesn't change. Get through origin, get players back from injury and suspension, and continue to improve as a team/have our young guys get more experience.

Go the Chooks.

[Spirit of 66]

Bomb To'o all night and let Toops do the rest.

[ROC181]

Bomb To'o all night and let Toops do the rest.

They're not on the same side.

[TheLoneRooster]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

---
Retired: Cordner, Friend, BMoz
Injured: Keary, Collins, Hutchison, NButcher, Tupouniua, Walker
Suspended for R15: Radley, Marschke
Total missing: 11
Back this week: Verrills, Taukieaho
Don't know where to put Lussick.

I needed to write it down today to fully appreciate the situation the Roosters are facing for R15. Was 2000 like this?
Is the experience more of the 30 man squad are getting in first grade a silver lining for 2022 and beyond? I think so.
---

[Tommy Smith]

Are we thinking that Manu will start at 6 to allow suaalii to play?

Surely has to happen.

It worked a treat vs Canberra. Manu being MotM at 5/8, Suaalii having a great game at centre. And it also gives Verrills a rest with Keighran on the bench.

It's a no brainer.

[NorfolkStreetKid]

Can't believe we will start with 4 props on the bench. I reckon Manu will play 6 and Suaali will start with Keighran on the bench. I reckon we can win this.... just.

[RoosterFanNZ]

Surely has to happen.

It worked a treat vs Canberra. Manu being MotM at 5/8, Suaalii having a great game at centre. And it also gives Verrills a rest with Keighran on the bench.

It's a no brainer.

completely agree and just have SST do the goal kicking (if we score) until keighran is on

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Surprised at the almost early hoist of the white flag here.

Our squad would still be the envy of most teams even with the outs. Granted Tuponuia and Walker out hurts, but I'm sure our boys are turning up to do a job...and win.

We almost always go well in these circs.

Only a lopsided ref gig scares me, hard to combat against a confident side. We need to shake their confidence somehow, must pressure Cleary hard and often.

Pretty sure Suaalii comes in. Teddy, Verrils and SST back big ins.

Good luck boys.

[The Brain]

Defend like no tomorrow because thats what they do..Kicking game has to be lethal.
Shame Walker and Sitilli are out to form players .
oh and a ref that will cheat for us including the video ref imbeciles we had a few against us about time we got some back.

[bondi.boy]

Closest game for me being only 20min. Sitting with a bunch of mates who follow Penrith , I will get pickled and be vocal as fark cheering our boys on !!!

I stopped going to the footy long ago with people who supported the opposition.
Sooner or later the Roosters-hating part of their souls would appear ...and spoil my day or night.
Eventually I ran out of friends who were not Roosters supporters. lol
Better off without them.

[roosterchook]

I’m hoping Suuali plays as he’s a powerhouse in defense and awesome in attack. He can help make the game a contest. Verills is a great addition but if he’s feeding players like Suuali it could be an interesting night. Hope Robbo plays him.

[redwhiteblue]

Thanks RWB. Last week on the Gold Coast I had to move seats to avoid sunburn. Tonight I'll be rugged up to avoid frost bite.

I'm just sitting in the sun now having lunch pretending I'm at home in Qld...I'm starting to feel quite positive about the game as the day goes on. I have a better feeling about now rather than what I was feeling at the beginning of the week. Stay warm!

[redwhiteblue]

Closest game for me being only 20min. Sitting with a bunch of mates who follow Penrith , I will get pickled and be vocal as fark cheering our boys on !!!

Enjoy yourself out there. I have lots of Penrith friends and they really are the nicest down to earth group I know.

[redwhiteblue]

The thought of Penrith celebrating tries like it’s the grand final and forgetting that they are playing against a a much weakened side will make me want to vomit.