It hasn’t been the most straightforward start to the new NRL season for either the Penrith Panthers or Canberra Raiders. Both sides are now among the outsiders in the rugby odds, as both teams sit lower in the rugby standings than many would have believed at the start of the campaign.
However, this showdown between the sides on Friday will give both an opportunity to get back on track in the NRL. You can find the latest Raiders vs Panthers betting picks and odds for this Friday’s fixture here.
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers Information
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers
Location of the game: GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia.
Date and Time: Friday, March 31, 2023. 3:00 AM ET.
How to Watch: NRL Player
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers Recent Scores
This will be the 81st meeting between the two NRL sides on Friday. The Panthers hold the slender advantage based on historical meetings, as they have recorded 42 wins compared to the 37 victories recorded by the Raiders. Meanwhile, there has been one previous draw in the 80 meetings.
The recent meetings between the teams have been dominated by the Panthers, as they have picked up victories in each of the four previous clashes. They have won by at least 20 points in each of the previous three. Canberra’s last win against the Panthers was recorded in July 2019, which could be a key factor before making rugby league predictions.
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers Betting Analysis
Canberra Raiders Facts To Know
It hasn’t been the start to the season that the Canberra Raiders would have been hoping for. The team reached the semi-finals in the playoffs last term, before they were easily dispatched by the Eels.
However, this term, they have registered just a single victory from the four opening matches of the campaign. Three defeats have been inflicted already this term, which means that only the Wests Tigers have been beaten more regularly.
The Rangers currently have a points difference of -13, and they will come into this looking for a response after losing 24-14 away from home against the Knights last weekend. However, their home form could be key to their chances this term, as their only win this season was recorded in their only match at the GIO Stadium against the Sharks on March 19.
Penrith Panthers Facts To Know
The Penrith Panthers came into this season with the added pressure of being defending champions following their Grand Final success against the Eels last October.
Their overall form throughout that dominant campaign was excellent, as they won 20 of the 24 matches that they played, and scored an incredible 628 points.
However, if they are to become back-to-back champions, they will need to get back to that level of performance. The Panthers have already lost two of their opening matches this season, meaning that it’s highly likely that they will surpass the four defeats suffered last term.
Penrith also comes into this game after suffering a loss in their most recent match, as they were edged out in dramatic fashion by the Eels in a rematch of the Grand Final from last season. But, the visitors will be favored in the Raiders vs Panthers betting to respond.
Updates
The Raiders will welcome back Jordan Rapana following suspension this week, while Jamal Fogarty and Jarrod Croker could also feature for the hosts.
Meanwhile, the panthers will rest Luke Garner this weekend, with Scott Sorensen coming into the team. Liam Martin remains injured, while Soni Luke also misses out.
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers Betting Preview
Moneyline
- Canberra Raiders: +300
- Penrith Panthers: -400
Spread
- Canberra Raiders (+12.5): -110
- Penrith Panthers (-12.5): -110
Over/Under
- Total Points: Over 40.5 (-110) Under 40.5 (-110)
Canberra Raiders vs. Penrith Panthers Betting Prediction
The Raiders vs Panthers betting odds highlight the task at hand for the home side on Friday. However, we can’t see them surprising the odds and recording a second win of the campaign.
The Panthers have dominated the recent meetings between the sides, winning each of the last four. Meanwhile, the previous meetings also highlight that they should cover the spread.
- Pick: Penrith Panthers (+12.5) -110
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