NRL: Cleary missing as Panthers face Raiders

Penrith will be missing the injured Nathan Cleary as they look to return to winning ways against Canberra Raiders on Saturday.

Cleary picked up a shoulder injury in the loss to Melbourne Storm last week and will not be ready to return until the finals campaign gets underway.

Penrith are still the team to beat this season and they are 3.25 to win the Grand Final. But they will need Cleary fit and firing if they are to win a fourth premiership in a row.

The Raiders have missed out on finals but will still be playing for pride and could be a big threat in the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, two other sides to miss out on the eight are South Sydney and Newcastle, and once again pride is all there is left to play for.

Panthers look to bounce back

. What: Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers
. Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
. When: 15:00 (AEST), Saturday 24th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Canberra Raiders 3.25, Penrith Panthers 1.33

Penrith’s chances of winning the minor premiership now look to be over following the loss to Melbourne Storm.

However they need to make sure they lock in second spot and a home final in the opening week of the play-offs. It means two points against the Raiders is a must.

History is in their favour as they have won the last five games against the Raiders, and can be backed at 2.15 to win this one by 13+ points.

Even without Nathan Cleary they have found a way to win in the past, and have the players to help fill the void.

Izack Tago is a man in form with four tries in the past three games and is 3.10 to grab another at anytime.

The Raiders have not beaten the Panthers at GIO Stadium since way back in 2016, and they are 4.50 to break the drought and win by 1-12.

Knights need a miracle

. What: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Newcastle Knights
. Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
. When: 19:35 (AEST), Saturday 24th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: South Sydney Rabbitohs 2.80, Newcastle Knights 1.44

Newcastle Knights need to win their remaining games and hope other results go their way if they are to have any chance of making the top eight.

The fact they are 10.00 to make it says it all.

The golden point loss to the Sharks last week will have hit them hard and they will be keen to bounce back against the bunnies.

Their form away from the hunter has not been great, losing four of the last four games, but they are the hot fancies to win this one.

The Knights can be backed at 2.40 to win by 13+ points.

Souths are playing for pride and will want to finish the campaign on a high before Wayne Bennett takes charge again next season.