3 minute read

Fast facts about the NRL qualifying final between Penrith and the Sydney Roosters.

NRL QUALIFYING FINAL BETWEEN PENRITH AND SYDNEY ROOSTERS

WHEN: Friday, 7.50pm AEST

WHERE: Panthers Stadium, Penrith

THE FORM

* Penrith (first, 17 wins, two losses, one draw). The Panthers' 15-game winning streak is the longest winning sequence heading into a finals series since 1975.

* Sydney Roosters (fourth, 14 wins, five losses). The Roosters enter the finals after a 52-point loss - the biggest losing margin heading into the play-offs.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

* Overall: Played 92, Roosters 56 wins, Panthers 35 wins, drawn 1

* In finals: Penrith 2 wins - Sydney Roosters 1 win

* Last time: Round 1, 2020: Penrith 20 bt Sydney Roosters 14 at Panthers Stadium

THE COACHES

* Penrith's Ivan Cleary's 30.8 per cent win record against Trent Robinson is his third worst, although he did win their only previous finals meeting 2014.

* Trent Robinson is gunning for his team to become the first in the NRL era to achieve a premiership three-peat.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Nathan Cleary (Penrith) v Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters)

Incumbent NSW halfback Cleary is up against his probable Origin halves partner Keary. The Dally M Medal favourite, Cleary pulls the strings on the Panthers blistering attack. Keary is eyeing his fourth premiership before he's 30 with his finals experience making him just as valuable to his team.

Viliame Kikau (Penrith) v Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)

Athletic second-rower Kikau loves a try against the Roosters, scoring four in four games which is his best tally and strike-rate. Roosters, NSW and Test captain Cordner has suffered multiple head-knocks this season but his work-rate is faultless.

Apisai Koroisau (Penrith) v Freddy Lussick (Sydney Roosters)

From Manly discard to Panthers weapon, Koroisau has had a break-out season with his new club. Lussick is under pressure after being called in to replace injured hooker Jake Friend with only four NRL games under his belt.

THE STATS

* Penrith are conceding the fewest points in the NRL, the fewest metres, missing the fewest tackles and have the best completion rate at 81.9 per cent.

* Just the third time the Roosters have conceded 60 points and first since 2010. No team has ever won the premiership after conceding 50 points however the Roosters did make the grand final in 2010.

THE TIP

* Penrith by 8 points