Wests Tigers' Canterbury Cup and Jersey Flegg sides will head to Penrith on Sunday looking to keep their season alive as they take on the Panthers in two must-win contests.
Coming in to Round 23 sitting in eighth (Canterbury Cup) and tenth (Jersey Flegg) respectively, both teams could end the weekend inside the top eight should they get the job done against the Panthers, who sit inside the top four in both grades.
Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg will kick off the action at Panthers Stadium from 11:00am as they look to make it four wins in a row for the first time this season.
Wayne Lambkin's side looked gone in their chances of September footy a month back, but upset wins over the Knights, Sea Eagles and Bulldogs in recent weeks has them now just one point outside the top eight with three games to play.
Despite their contrasting ladder positions, Wests Tigers will certainly fancy their chances at knocking off the top-four Panthers, who are on a mini dip in form with two draws and a loss in their last three matches. The hosts will certainly still head in to the game as favourites — particularly with the visitors set to be without a number of their players given the requirements needed in the Canterbury Cup side.
Match: Panthers v Wests Tigers
Round 22 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Wests Tigers
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
The two clubs will face off in Canterbury Cup from 1:10pm as Western Suburbs look to hang on to their top eight hopes following a tough run of form.
The inclusion of Josh Reynolds in the past fortnight has been a boost for the side, but Brett Hodgson's men will likely be without the experienced playmaker following injuries in the first-grade side to Robbie Farah (tibia) and Jacob Liddle (knee).
The Magpies were undone last week in a game they were expected to win against Blacktown Workers but still have their finals destiny in their own hands.
Penrith have lost their last two matches against the Jets and Bulldogs, and will be without Jed Cartwright after the versatile forward picked up a season-ending injury.
The hosts will welcome back young half Matt Burton following his NRL debut last week, and will be determined to continue their good record at Panthers Stadium where they have won seven of their nine matches this year as well as a draw.
Western Suburbs recorded a dominant 32-12 win when the two sides met earlier this year, but they'll field a much different side this time around with seven of the starting side that played that day not available for the team this weekend.
For all live scores and coverage of the game, visit the Match Centre here.
Match: Panthers v Magpies
Round 22 -
home Team
Panthers
4th Position
away Team
Magpies
10th Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
