Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders betting tips & winner prediction

The unlikely location of Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee, hosts an NRL blockbuster on Friday night that will have huge ramifications for the make-up of the finals series.

Canberra, fighting for the minor premiership, have the chance to put a massive dent in Penrith’s bid for a fifth straight NRL title. Penrith finish their season with games against the Raiders, high-flying Bulldogs and Dragons.

MORE: NRL BETTING TIPS

A loss here could be fatal to the fifth-placed Panthers’ chances of finishing in the top four and securing a double chance in the finals. They are already relying on the fourth-placed Warriors dropping at least one of their matches against the Titans, Eels and Sea Eagles.

The Raiders have lost their only two games at this country venue, falling 25-18 to St George Illawarra in 2018 and 25-6 to Manly Warringah in 2022. But this season they have been the league’s entertainers in winning 17 of their 21 matches.

The teams have not clashed since round 25 last season, when the Raiders prevailed 22-18 at home, snapping a five-match losing streak against the Panthers.

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Teams news for Panthers v Raiders clash

The Raiders are fresh off the bye and have named an unchanged line-up from the one that was too good for Manly a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, coach Ivan Cleary has named captain Isaah Yeo in the extended squad. Yeo’s return would bring the Panthers as close to full-strength as they are likely to get this season, and there is no use holding him in reserve now with the stakes so high.

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Panthers v Storm

Start:	6pm AEST, Friday, August 22
Venue:	Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee
Head-to-head odds:	Penrith $1.65 v Canberra ($2.25)
Line betting:	Penrith -2.5 ($1.90) v Canberra +2.5 ($1.90)
Series odds:	Penrith $4.50; Canberra $5

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Panthers v Raiders

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

Ethan Strange to score a try at $4

The Raiders’ budding superstar pivot has been on a try-scoring rampage with seven in his past eight matches. No reason Strange can’t continue that here on a chilly evening in Mudgee.. This selection is at around $4 with online betting sites.

Raiders to win at $2.25

We think the bookies have sold the Raiders a bit short in this clash and are keen to cash in what should be at worst an even-money outcome. The Raiders are a different beast this season. You can find at least $2.25 with most Aussie bookmakers.

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Panthers v Raiders prediction 

The Panthers’ effort to come from a seemingly hopeless position earlier this season to be back among the title contenders has been extremely impressive. But the golden-point loss to Melbourne last weekend was a deflating blow and another loss here would be even more devastating. The Raiders just go from strength to strength and their back line has been something to behold. As with the Panthers-Storm match last week, this is another unmissable watch for the league aficionado. But we just love how Canberra play this season and they can come out on top after an epic contest. The record of 17 wins v 4 losses does not lie. Our final Penrith-Canberra prediction? The Raiders by 8 points.