Panthers v Eels NRL semi-final tips, prediction and betting preview

Welcome to our preview of the Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels semi-final at BB Print Stadium Stadium, Mackay, on Saturday, September 18.

The winners of this derby clash face the difficult task of tackling the rampant Melbourne Storm in a preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane a week later.

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The Panthers fell victim to an old-fashioned mugging against Souths last weekend when the Bunnies turned up the heat in defence to win 16-10 in the qualifying final.

Still, Penrith will go into this as the red-hot favourites. The Panthers have been incredible during the regular season for the past two years but if they drop this game and exit the finals, it will all have been for nothing. They simply have to win this to at least earn a crack at their 2020 grand final tormentors the Storm.

Parramatta and Penrith have already met twice this season, with the Panthers winning both encounters. They fell in 13-12 in round 16 when they were without star halfback Nathan Cleary and then smashed the Eels 40-6 in round 25 when Parra coach Brad Arthur rested some of his front-line stars.

The western Sydney rivals have not played each other in a final since 2000 when the Eels triumphed 28-10.

Parramatta are coming off a gritty win in their elimination final against Newcastle last weekend, but it was not a performance to strike fear into the hearts of the star-studded Panthers. The Eels’ best, which they produced in a rare win over Melbourne recently, is certainly good enough to create plenty of problems though.

Team news for Panthers-Eels final

The Panthers are confident of regaining prop Moses Leota (leg) and fullback Dylan Edwards (foot) and have named them in the team, with Scott Sorensen (wrist) also a chance of a speedy return from what looked a major injury.

Parramatta enforced Nathan Brown (leg cork) seems certain to play through some pain, while captain Clint Gutherson and veteran winger Blake Ferguson both suffered leg injuries but are expected to play.

Ryan Matterson is recalled to the 17 in place of prop Makahesi Makatoa.

Continue reading for our free Panthers v Eels betting tips and winner prediction for their NRL semi-final on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

Start:	7:50pm AEST, September 18
Venue:	BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Head-to-head odds:	Penrith ($1.22) v Parramatta ($4.40)
Line betting:	Penrith -12.5 ($1.90) v Parramatta +12.5 ($1.90)
Premiership odds:	Penrith $3.90; Parramatta $41

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels tips – NRL SF 2021

Our NRL betting expert has examined the markets and found value Penrith-Parra tips:

Penrith v Parramatta prediction 18/9/2021

Panthers have been well back with Australian betting sites and it’s not hard to see why. They and Melbourne Storm have been the clear stand-out side over the past two season while their opponent here Parramatta have looked good in the first half of the season before fading badly. They would have to produce their best game of the year to have any chance here. We think the Panthers will win easily and set up an epic battle next weekend against the Storm. That’s the one we can’t wait to see. Our final Penrith-Parramatta prediction? Panthers by 16 points. 

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