Raiders vs Panthers Predictions, Preview, Stream, Odds & Picks
Defending Champs on Road for NRL Round 21
Worrying Times for Panthers
Everything was going to plan for the Penrith Panthers, but as the NRL betting market suggests, they’re in for a tough game against the Canberra Raiders.
The Raiders are trying to wiggle into the top eight as they’re currently in ninth place. It’s an important game against the current NRL leaders, who are up against it without their star halves pairing.
It’s the feature game on Super Saturday and it should be a good one.
Let’s review the latest rugby news, stats, injury reports and rugby odds for Raiders vs Panthers. We’ve plenty of rugby picks and predictions for you to consider.
Raiders Right on Cusp
We didn’t see a form turnaround coming for the Canberra Raiders, but they have surprised us with four wins from their last five games.
Their best wins came over the Storm and last week against the Titans, which has put them on the edge of making the top eight.
Betting online markets are giving them respect at +125 to beat the table-topping Panthers, but this is an ideal situation for the Raiders. The Panthers are missing their star halves pairing, so they are there to be beaten.
In favor of the Raiders is their recent offensive production. They scored 20 points against the Storm and 36 points against the Titans, which is enough to beat the Panthers, who scored only 10 points last week.
The Panthers’ injuries make this game closer than it would have been, so the +3½ head start is there for the taking.
Panthers in Unique Situation
Things were going swimmingly for the Panthers until Jarome Luai and Nathan Clearly were ruled out.
Luai has an injury and Cleary was suspended for a shocking tackle in the 34-10 loss to the Eels last week. The Panthers are a different outfit without Luai and Cleary, so Jaemon Salmon and Sean O’Sullivan have to step up.
There isn’t a lot of experience in the halves, and after looking like a sure bet to win the minor premiership, it’s now a worrying time for the defending champions.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, father of Nathan, doesn’t believe much has changed with the roster issues.
“You have some plans but then you’ve always got to have some flexibility around that,” Cleary told NRL.com. “It hasn’t changed too much at the moment. We’re fortunate that we have banked a lot of points in the first half of the year but at this point we’re focused on getting a good performance out this week.
“No matter what happens, you want to go into the finals with individuals in good form and the team in good form.”
NRL odds have the Panthers as -165 favorites, but we expect most of the money to come for the home side.
Raiders vs Panthers Head-to-Head
The Panthers have the 25-22 edge after winning the last two games. They won 30-10 at home in 2021 before winning 36-6 again at home earlier this year.
With the venue change to Canberra, it gives the Raiders a slight edge in the statistical department.
Raiders vs Panthers Game Information
- Game: Raiders (10-9) vs Panthers (17-2)
- Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Day/Time: Saturday, Aug 6, 3:30 a.m. ET
- Raiders vs Panthers Live Stream: RugbyPass
Raiders vs Panthers Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Canberra Raiders | +3½ -120 | +125 | ||
| Penrith Panthers | -3½ -120 | -165 |
Raiders vs Panthers Prediction
It’s not easy to bet against the Panthers, who have lost just twice. However, this is a game they can afford to lose, so we’re taking the Raiders.
The Raiders have a healthy squad and the experience in the halves should be too much for the inexperience of the Panthers spine.
Taking +3½ is an option but we’re going for maximum value in moneyline markets. The +125 in moneyline markets is worth taking in what should be a closely-fought contest.
