NRL Thursday: Panthers v Sea Eagles free tips & odds, round 1, 2022

Rupert McIntosh

March 9, 2022

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Welcome to our Panthers-Sea Eagles match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith, on Thursday, March 10.

This is the opening match of the NRL 2022 season and pitches together two of the teams most likely to lift the title, with Penrith of course the defending champions.

READ: NRL match betting previews and tips
NRL round 1 schedule, 2022 title odds

It will be a fascinating insight into the mindset of the Panthers; they have dominated the past two seasons with a relentless defensive intensity and attacking skill.

But will they maintain the hunger now that they have tasted the ultimate success? And will the loss of class players such as Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Paul Momirovski (Roosters) and Kurt Capewell (Broncos) weaken them significantly.

We fully expect coach Ivan Cleary to unveil several new stars from the club’s vast rugby league nursery, but the question of hunger for success may be more difficult to answer.

As for the Sea Eagles, they were outstanding last season and will be desperate to make the grand final this year. They boast arguably the most exciting back line in the competition but the big question is can they stand up to the Panthers brutal pack.

The Panthers have won the past five meetings between these two teams, and 11 of the past 13, while they won the most recent meeting 28-16 in round eight last season.

Panthers v Sea Eagles team news for round 1

The big news other than the unveiling of several recruits is the absence for the opening month or so of the season of Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary (shoulder).

The NSW star played through the pain to guide his team to finals glory last season, and it’s a daunting test for newcomer Sean O’Sullivan to start in the No.7 jersey in place of Cleary.

With a couple of departures, Stephen Crichton is back in the centres alongside boom youngster Izack Tago, while the Panthers’ pack has not changed too much and still looks outstanding.

Manly will unleash Broncos recruit Ethan Bullemor, along with electric rookie Tolutau Koula from the bench for his first game.

Panthers v Sea Eagles

Kick-off: 8.05pm local time
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Head to head odds: Penrith $2, Manly $1.82
Line: Penrith (+1.5 points) $1.90, Manly (-1.5 points) $1.90
Match total: 40.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90

Panthers v Sea Eagles free betting tips

Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for Thursday night’s game.

Penrith +1.5 points/match total under 40.5 points at $3.60

All the money has been for Manly to the extent they head into this match as favourites. That is surprising given the fact the Panthers have been almost unbeatable on their home turf. Sure they are missing Cleary but their pack looks capable of controlling proceedings.

Place bet at $3.60 at TopSport!

Stephen Crichton (Penrith) to score a try

The lanky young star will relish the freedom of being back in the centres and not at fullback or wing, and he is always a handful when charging at the line. Aussie bookie TopSport is offering $2.94 about him scoring a try at any time in the match.

Place bet at $2.94 at TopSport!

Penrith Panthers v Manly Sea Eagles prediction 10-3-2022

This is wonderful match to start the season. These teams could well square off in the finals later this year, or even the grand final. The match loses something with superstar Nathan Cleary sitting on the bench but there are still plenty of internationals past, present and future running around. We will back the Panthers to get off to a winning start on their own turf. Our Panthers v Sea Eagles prediction: Panthers by 8 points.