Panthers v Sharks NRL betting tips & odds – July 29, 2023

Panthers v Sharks NRL best bets

Panthers v Sharks match preview

Super Saturday football for round 22 of the 2023 NRL Premiership ends in Penrith with the Panthers hosting the Cronulla Sharks at BlueBet Stadium. The Sharks’ form has been well below their best over the last fortnight, but can they upset the defending premiers on their home ground?

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has been forced to replace Spencer Leniu (knee) with Matthew Eisenhuth. He has also recalled Zac Hosking to the interchange bench in favour of Luke Garner.

Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has continued to change his defensive left edge with Jesse Colquhoun (suspended) being replaced by Wade Graham, who will also captain the side. Dale Finucane (biceps) has been ruled out for the season, with Cameron McInnes named in the starting lock role.

Interestingly, Siosifa Talakai has again been named on the interchange bench, while Matt Moylan (omitted) and Braden Hamlin-Uele (ribs) have been named in the reserves. All three players could be late inclusions for this must-win match.

The Panthers sit at the top of the NRL ladder having won eight of their last nine matches. The Sharks have won just five of their last nine matches, suffering defeats to every top-eight side they have played. Cronulla have fallen from third to sixth on the NRL ladder since round 19, and a loss on Saturday could result in the visitors falling out of the top eight entirely.

The Sharks’ incredibly poor form against good teams all but rules out an upset. The Panthers’ incredible right-edge attack will heavily target the Sharks’ weak left-edge defence, and Penrith at the 19+ margin looks a strong play at $2 with Palmerbet.

Brian To’o has played just four matches for the Panthers since round 14, yet he has amassed six tries in that time. That run includes doubles against the Dragons and Bulldogs, whose defences are comparable to that of the Sharks. With halfback Nathan Cleary and centre Stephen Crichton playing on his inside, To’o looks a good bet to secure another tryscoring double ($3.80).

Nathan Cleary ($3.40) and Liam Martin ($3.15) are incredible value bets to score a try at any time. The New South Wales Blues pairing will be attacking Sharks forward Graham, who has not started an NRL game this season and will struggle to move laterally in defence. Whether Cleary and Martin score off the back of an attacking kick or their strong running games, it will only be a matter of time before they find the in-goal area on Sunday.

Panthers v Sharks key matchup: Cleary v Hynes

Nathan Cleary vs Nicho Hynes

Penrith’s Nathan Cleary is one of, if not the most complete halfback in the NRL with the defence, ball-running, kicking and game-management skills to overcome any challenge. Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes has been one of the most dynamic attacking players in the NRL over the last 18 months; however, this will be a test of his ability to lead his team around the park and kick the football to strong positions. If Hynes cannot manage his side well, the Sharks will pose no risk of upsetting the defending premiers on their home ground.


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