analysis

Well there’s only one weekend of footy left to play before both Queensland and New South Wales teams are announced and we’re off and running for State of Origin 2023.

I believe five Penrith Panthers will be selected in the NSW Blues top 17 with Dylan Edwards taking the 18th man spot.

Before I announce my predictions for the entire NSW side, I’ll run through the five Panthers players I believe will be selected and why.

There’s no doubt that Brian To’o will be named on one wing, his performances in Origin last year were strong and after a slow start for Penrith early this season, he has bounced back and started to clock up the metres with his strong carries from the back of the field. To’o is a certainty.

After an inspiring performance against the Roosters last week, Jarome Luai only has to hold his form against the Broncos on Thursday to keep his place at five-eighth. Only an injury or an absolute shocker would open the door for Nicho Hynes or Cody Walker to be picked ahead of him.

The selection of Nathan Cleary at halfback is a ‘no-brainer’. He’s the incumbent and his strong form this season will ensure that he’ll definitely be there for NSW. Enough said.

Meanwhile, Isaah Yeo picks himself at lock. He’s in excellent form and not only can he ballplay and tackle like a demon but he has added a kicking game (wink wink) to his bag of tricks as well.

The fifth Panthers player I believe will be selected is our ‘Hamstring Hero’ Liam Martin. Martin provides passion and aggression and is made for the cauldron that is Origin. If he can get through the game against the Broncos, Freddy will pick him.

Finally, I think Dylan Edwards will be one of the reserves that will train with the side and then make it as 18th man. He deserves to be there somewhere and will be.

My most controversial selection is leaving Stephen Crichton out in place of ‘Tommy Turbo’. Crichton has been in OK form but not playing to the standard he was last year when he was selected. I believe Turbo will be selected ahead of Critta, if Tom has a good game this weekend. For the record my NSW Blues side is:

1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Campbell Graham 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Damien Cook 10. Payne Haas 11. Cameron Murray 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo

14. Api Koroisau 15. Junior Paulo 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Liam Martin.

18. Dylan Edwards

That’s my side for game one, what’s yours?

It may be that we look back on the Round 11 game against the Roosters as the night Penrith had their “real deal” moment as far as the 2023 Premiership is concerned.

Just when the bookies and experts started to look elsewhere for their Grand Final winner, the Panthers put their hand up and in their best Shannon Noll impersonation, yelled “what about me?” in the loudest possible way.

Now Ivan Cleary’s side has an opportunity to back-up that impressive 48-4 flogging of the Roosters when they face the impressive Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in Round 12.

Sitting second on the ladder, Brisbane has been one of the best sides in the competition this year as they try to put last year’s stunning collapse out of the top eight behind them.

But without Adam Reynolds for this clash due to a neck problem, Penrith have a real opportu- nity to pounce and depending on other results, could even finish the round as competition leaders.

With Penrith having the bye and a guaranteed two points next week, this is a crucial match and one that could set the Panthers up for the representative season nicely.

There’s no question Jarome Luai’s return to form was one of the highlights of last week’s win. Two line breaks and a try highlights what was very much a statement game from the incumbent New South Wales five-eighth, ahead of Origin selection this weekend. Should Luai impress again against Brisbane, it would be difficult not to pick him.

And it wasn’t just Luai who found the kind of form that made Penrith such a dominant force over the past few seasons. The likes of Isaah Yeo and Scott Sorensen also had outstanding games, leaving the Roosters with little in response to what was a first class overall performance.

I love what Brisbane are offering this year and I think Kevin Walters has found the perfect mix with the likes of Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam, plus the consistently good games of Kurt Capewell and Patrick Carrigan, and the sheer dominance of Payne Haas up front.

In fact, there’s a lot of similarities in this Brisbane team to the Panthers in 2020 and 2021; and it’s clear they are building to something. But they are a different team without Reynolds and I’m not convinced they’ll quite have the attacking firepower with Jock Madden wearing the number seven.

The key for Brisbane is the likes of Haas and Thomas Flegler having big games up front, in an attempt to cancel out the power that Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris will bring. I’ve got little doubt this one is all about the forwards. If the Broncos can get a roll-on then perhaps Madden can fill in the Reynolds role and create opportunities out wide, along with the lively Ezra Mam.

But if it’s Penrith that get the momentum, it’s hard to imagine Brisbane stopping Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, especially after the confidence received last week.

And having Liam Martin back in the team after a successful return last weekend is also a win.

We’re in for a good game of footy here, but Penrith’s return to top class form last weekend and Reynolds being out means it’s a win for the visitors for me.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

nrl ladder & fixtures

Round 12

Face In The Crowd

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Seasons as a Pantherette? One. Favourite food? Raspberries. Favourite TV show? ‘Love Island’. Favourite Panthers player? Mitch Kenny

Must-follow social media account?

@indyclinton (especially her TikToks! She has the funniest family and her son Navy is so funny).

Go to pump up song? ‘Make Me Feel Good’, James Hype.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? I love the whole atmosphere and being a part of a great team again. I love how Katie is supportive and how she works us hard during the training sessions. I cannot wait to perform on the field and experience the true feeling of cheerleading for the Panthers!