Di big match between Penrith Panthers and Eastern Suburbs Roosters wey go happen for CommBank Stadium on Thursday night fit be early preview of Grand Final. But even if one side lose, dem still fit win di competition. Di winner go still get big advantage, especially for mental side.
For Penrith, na to prove say dem fit win big game even without Isaah Yeo, wey don injure im chest for Warriors match last week. E go also wash away fear say di Panthers don slip, because losing to two main competitors for back-to-back weeks no go be ideal.
For Roosters, na to remove monkey from dem back. Trent Robinson side don struggle to beat Penrith for recent years, dem only win once during di dynasty era including Finals. If Easts take Penrith scalp so close to Finals, e go give dem confidence say dem fit do am when e matter.
Even though both teams don already secure top four spot, plenty dey at stake. Dis na Penrith final huge test before Finals. Dem go face Storm, Bulldogs and Tigers after dis one, but all those sides go likely don rest by October.
Di battle between halfbacks go sweet to watch. Nathan Cleary, wey get four Premiership rings, dey at top of im game. E go face Sam Walker, wey don prove all im doubters wrong dis year and get di world at im feet. Fullbacks James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards, wey battle for Blues Origin jersey earlier, both don come back from injury and dey ready to show say dem na di best.
For forwards, Victor Radley go rip in, Moses Leota go storm from back fence. Lindsay Smith go replace Yeo at lock and go out to prove point. Penrith miss start last week and by di time dem find dem groove, e don too late. But di experienced Panthers fit benefit and learn from losses.
I get feeling say Penrith go win dis game comfortably. Dem get point to prove, and make we no forget about dem old heads for foot of di Mountains. Question champion team at your peril.
Di match go happen for CommBank Stadium on Thursday, August 13 at 7:50pm. E go dey live on Nine and Fox Sports. Troy Dodds be di Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter for Weekender, na im write dis piece.
