3 minute read
Penrith Panthers have been handed a huge boost with the news that star halfback Nathan Cleary will return from injury for the clash with the Dolphins.
The Panthers are in the hunt for a fourth straight premiership success, and Cleary will be key to their chances of writing more history.
Penrith are priced at 3.00 to win the 2024 grand final, and will be hoping that Cleary can now stay injury free for the remainder of the season.
The Dolphins continue to shine in just their second NRL campaign, and look on course to play finals for the first time.
Wayne Bennett's men are 1.80 to make the top eight, but there is still work to be done over the remaining games of the regular season.
. What: Penrith Panthers v Dolphins
. Where: Panthers Stadium, Penrith
. When: 14:00 (AEST), Sunday 21st July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Penrith Panthers 1.22, Dolphins 4.20
Cleary key to Panthers success
Penrith will welcome back Nathan Cleary for the clash against the Dolphins after he recovered from a hamstring injury.
Cleary has not played since Round 10 and has figured in just five games all season.
The halfback makes a huge difference to the Panthers side, who have won eight of the last nine games when Cleary has played.
Cleary can be backed at 3.10 to celebrate his return to the action by grabbing a try at anytime in the game.
Brian To'o is in great form having scored five tries in his last three games, but has been listed among the reserves along with fellow State of Origin stars Jarome Luai and Liam Martin.
Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo, who also starred in New South Wales' epic win over Queensland on Wednesday night, will be rested.
Even without some of their big guns, the Panthers are still the hot fancies to come out on top, and are priced at 1.91 to win by 13+ points.
Dolphins wait on Origin duo
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett will check on Queensland duo Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi ahead of the clash.
The duo have been named in the side, and all being well, they should be able to back-up following Game 3 of Origin.
Tabuai-Fidow is key for the Dolphins, and the fullback is priced at 2.60 to score a try at anytime.
Jack Bostock remains the main man on the tryscoring front though, and the winger is priced at 11.00 to score the first or 2.35 to grab a try at anytime.
A trip to the foot of the mountains will hold no fear for the Dolphins, who have done well away from home this season.
Indeed they have four of their past six away games and will be out to spring a surprise against Penrith.
They can be backed at 5.50 to win by 1-12 points.
Kaufusi will be making his 200th NRL appearance, so there is a bit of extra motivation for the Dolphins to get the win.
