Panthers v Tigers NRL tips, odds & value bets – April 29, 2023

Super Saturday wraps up in Penrith with the defending NRL champions hosting the cellar-dwelling Wests Tigers at BlueBet Stadium. The home side will be aiming to solidify a position in the top four of the NRL ladder, while the Tigers are still searching for their first win of the 2023 season.

The Penrith Panthers have several injury clouds hanging over them with Sunia Turuva, Nathan Cleary, Soni Luke, Zac Hosking and Scott Sorenson all reported to be carrying various niggles into this match. Jack Cogger, Luke Garner, Chris Smith and Tom Jenkins have all been named in the reserves as cover. Officially, Izack Tago is the only name missing from last week’s side, with Tyrone Peachey set to play his second game for the club since 2018.

The Wests Tigers have made several changes heading into their match with the reigning premiers. Asu Kepaoa and Charlie Staines are both suffering from illnesses, paving the way for Brent Naden to return from injury in the centres with club stalwart David Nofoaluma coming onto the wing.

The only possible scenario in which the Tigers beat the Panthers on their home track is if Cleary, Luke, Turuva, Hosking and Sorenson are all late omissions from the starting 17. Cleary has been playing despite injury, which will encourage fans and punters alike.

However, if the Tigers continue to play aggressively through the middle of the field, as they did against Manly last week, they could make a contest out of this match. Keep an eye on the team sheets, but Wests to cover the 17.5-point line could be a great play ($1.90).

With so many Panthers starters in doubt for this clash, it could fall to two players to lead this side to a win. Jarome Luai showed throughout the Rugby League World Cup that he can organise a team and lead them around the park, while his attacking football has improved in recent weeks as the State of Origin series approaches. Dylan Edwards is the other man who needs to step up, and he will do so as one of the best support players in the NRL. Look for both Luai ($3.70) and Edwards ($2.25) to score a try as they take control of this game.

The combination of the Tigers’ on-field woes and injury clouds hovering over the Panthers could greatly impact this game. Cold, wet weather in Penrith will only make scoring more difficult for both sides, who will have stronger focuses on ball security. Expect this match to fall below 41.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Kenny v Koroisau

Mitch Kenny vs Api Koroisau

The hooker battle between these two former teammates will be very interesting, especially if Soni Luke is ruled out. Mitch Kenny and Api Koroisau are polar opposites who worked well together in previous years, but this clash will be a very different story. Kenny’s defence and endurance is his strength, with Koroisau is one of the most creative and dangerous No.9s in the world.

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