Eels vs Panthers Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks, July 29
Defending Champions Headline NRL Round 20
Panthers Facing Tough Road Test
The best team in the NRL are the Penrith Panthers and there’s little doubt about that. However, the defending champions face a tough road test against the Parramatta Eels on Friday.
Rugby league betting markets have the Panthers as the short-priced favorites. They are -7½ in points spread markets and most of the early money has come for the Panthers.
However, the Eels are one of the most inconsistent teams in the competition, so anything is possible.
Let’s review the latest rugby news, stats, injury reports, and rugby odds for Eels vs Panthers. We’ve plenty of rugby picks and predictions for you to consider.
Eels Play Tough Against Panthers
The Panthers have a 24-22 edge over the Eels since 1998, so the Eels play some of their best against the Panthers.
Bettors have been frustrated with the Eels’ recent efforts, especially last week’s 36-14 loss to the Brisbane Broncos, which was a terrible effort.
We expected the Broncos to cause the upset but we didn’t think the Eels would roll over and not even be a threat at any stage of the contest. The loss followed two wins against inferior opposition, so the sportsbook might have respected the Eels too much.
However, a lot of things change week-to-week in the NRL and the Eels could keep it close against the best team in the competition. It requires a better effort from the likes of Clint Gutherson, who missed a few key tackles last week.
Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses also need to be better in the halves, especially coming up against Nathan Cleary. However, the Panthers are without Jarome Luai, so that’s a positive, and getting +8½ points at home is generous.
Panthers Marching On
There is seemingly no slowing down the Panthers, who continued their winning streak against the Cronulla Sharks with a 20-10 win.
It was another professional performance from the NRL leaders, but they picked up a couple of key injuries. Luai and Stephen Crichton are out of the team this week, so that could give them some problems.
Luai could be out for an extended period of time, which could result in the Panthers playing worse than usual. The ear injury to Crichton, caused by a head clash, was tough to see and it requires plastic surgery to repair.
“If you have seen his ear, it is like a car crash,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary told NRL.com.au.
“His ear is awful so he is going off to get plastic surgery now. [The doctor] just put it together, just to hold it, and he has gone to hospital. He has seen better days but he is in good spirits.”
Losing Crichton is big for the Panthers and betting online markets haven’t really adjusted their lines enough. We expected the Panthers to be -6½, so getting an extra two points could be the difference for bettors.
Eels vs Panthers Head-to-Head
The first meeting between the Eels and Panthers resulted in a 22-20 Eels victory. It’s the only loss the Panthers have suffered this year, so the Eels have the mental edge.
The meeting prior in 2021 went to the Panthers 8-6, so it’s always a close contest and we’re surprised by the NRL odds available.
Eels vs Panthers Game Information
- Game: Eels (17-1) vs Panthers (11-7)
- Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney, Australia
- Day/Time: Friday, July 29, 5:55 a.m. ET
- Eels vs Panthers Live Stream: RugbyPass
Eels vs Panthers Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Parramatta Eels | +7½ -120 | +225 | 41½ -120o | |
| Penrith Panthers | -7½ -120 | -350 | 41½ -120u |
Eels vs Panthers Prediction
We can’t turn down the value with the Eels despite their recent form being less than impressive.
They always play well against the Panthers and they are the only team to beat them so far, so that’s something they won’t take lightly.
With the Panthers having a couple of key players out with serious injuries, it could leave them a little flat. Therefore, taking the Eels +8½ confidently, especially with home ground advantage.
