Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters Prediction: Panthers need to show dominance

At Penrith Stadium, Penrith Panthers will play Sydney Roosters in round ⅛ of the National Rugby League. The two teams are coming off a run of decent performances. How will they approach this encounter?

The Penrith Panthers are coming off back-back wins against Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney Rabbitohs. In those encounters, Penrith Panthers won 18-12 and 34-12. However, their overall season performance saw Penrith Panthers accumulate 40 points from 24 matches. Heading into this encounter, Penrith Panthers have seven wins while losing two, coming against Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Demons. 

The Sydney Roosters ended the regular season with a win against South Sydney Rabbitohs, which ended 28-36. In that encounter, Sydney Roosters won 10-14 in the first half, then needed 22 goals to win in the second half while conceding 18. Heading into this game, Sydney Roosters have four wins while losing one, coming against Canberra Raiders. 

Penrith Panthers should win this game, considering their record in this fixture and how good they have been this season. While the Sydney Roosters are off a run of games, I do not expect them to slack, either. However, Penrith Panthers are the better team in this fixture, and looking at what the two teams can give, a bet on points and Panthers winning is the best option.