NRL: Cleary back to boost Panthers

Penrith Panthers will be boosted by the return of the fit-again Nathan Cleary when they begin their finals campaign against the Sydney Roosters.

The Panthers go in search of a fourth straight premiership success and without doubt a fit and firing Cleary is what they need.

Penrith can be backed at 3.10 to win the grand final, and they will be keen to get off to a solid start on Friday.

The winner of this qualifying final will book their place in the preliminary final, while the loser will get a second chance in the semi-final.

The Roosters have had a strong season, but have been hit by a couple of big injury blows that could hamper their chances of going all the way.

Trent Robinson’s side are 7.00 to win the grand final and a win over the Panthers would give them a big boost.

. What: Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters
. Where: Panthers Stadium, Penrith
. When: 19:50 (AEST), Friday 13th September
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Penrith Panthers 1.42, Sydney Roosters 2.90

Cleary back in for Panthers

Star halfback Cleary has missed the last three games with a shoulder issue, and there was a question mark over whether he would face the Roosters.

However he has proven his fitness and will link up with Jarome Luai in the halves once again.

Luai has stepped up to the plate in Cleary’s absence, but having the two back together again will give the Panthers a big boost.

Cleary can be backed at 3.50 to mark his return to the side with a try at anytime in the game.

The Panthers have a good record against the Roosters, winning the last nine meetings between the two sides.

There was little to separate the two teams in the last meeting though as the Panthers ran out six-point winners in round 4 this season.

If it is to be tight again, the Panthers are 3.25 to win by 1-12 points.

Sunia Turuva also scored a hat-trick of tries in that game and is 7.50 to grab the first on Friday night.

Roosters banking on experience

The Roosters have lost some key players to injury with both Sam Walker and Victor Radley ruled out for the rest of the season.

However they still have plenty of quality and experience in the side and James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Luke Keary and Angus Crichton will all be key.

The Roosters have a poor record at Panthers Stadium, last winning there in 2018, and they will be desperate to put that right.

They will welcome back star winger Dominic Young, and the Englishman is 9.00 to score the first try of the game, or 2.33 to score at anytime.

The Roosters are very capable of getting the job done and can be backed at 4.00 to win by 1-12 points.