[June 30, 2022] Fresh from an off week for Origin play, the Penrith Panthers will look to continue their 2022 domination when they host the Sydney Roosters. A 22-20 slip up on May 6th vs. Parramatta remains the only blemish on Penrith’s record this year, as they sit atop the ladder at 14-1. Check the Panthers vs. Roosters Betting Analysis below.
Thinking about rugby betting picks, the Sydney Roosters definitely have an incentive in round 16, not only because Penrith has a target on their back week in and week out, but also because the Roosters are trying to get into the top eight. Sydney is one of five teams with 7-8 wins trying to play for two spots.
Last Game Records
Penrith continued their strong offensive and defensive play in their last two games, beating the Knights 42-6 and toppling the Warriors 40-6. Those victories have pushed the Panthers win streak to six games and has given them a three-game lead atop the ladder with eight matches remaining.
The Roosters are hoping that the weekend off gets them back on track a bit. Sydney was up as high as fourth on the table before a three-game losing streak has them in real danger of missing out on the top eight.
Penrith did tally a 32-12 win when the teams met up back on the May 21st rugby betting odds. That was the fifth straight win in the series for the defending Grand Final champions. Sydney held that title in 2018 and 2019.
The last two seasons they’ve beaten the Panthers.
Panthers vs. Roosters Betting Analysis
Penrith is a -15.5 favorite in Friday’s rugby betting odds, but these teams have had some close matchups in recent years, even though the last five have ultimately gone the Panthers way. That includes 20-14 and 29-28 victories in 2020 and coming out on top 20-14 in 2021.
The Panthers are simply a force right now, winning their last two games by an average margin of 35 points. Sydney is trending the other way on a three-game losing streak, but the last two have been pretty close against two good teams in Melbourne (26-18) and Parramatta (26-16).
Penrith Keeps Cruising
The Panthers may have their strongest 17 of the season on Friday, which just doesn’t seem fair. All seven players made it out of Origin unscathed as Penrith looks to keep – or expand – their two-game buffer at the top of the table.
Nathan Cleary was zoned in on Origin Sunday night, playing solid in the kicking game and running in two tries. Cleary is up to the fourth leading scorer in the NRL, even though he missed the first three weeks of the year recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Cleary has plenty of help, as Stephen Crichton and Taylan May are both top 15 scorers in the league. This group has pushed Penrith to the #2 scoring team in points and tries while leading the league in goals.
Sydney Has Their Work Cut Out for Them
The Roosters will not have the services of Luke Keary on Friday as he continues to fight through concussion symptoms. That puts an extra burden on Sam Walker for the round 16 rugby betting predictions, as he is the #6 scorer in the NRL with 97 points.
Joseph Manu hopes to build off a good Origin weekend to bolster Sydney’s hopes in this matchup. Manu racked up 401 run meters for New Zealand, but he also had a tough center match against Penrith’s Izack Tago.
Victor Radley is also back for the Roosters for the first time since Magic Round. Will his presence be enough to push Sydney towards the upset, though?
Panthers vs. Roosters Betting Preview
Penrith has tallied five straight wins in this series, but that stretch has also included some close contests. That being said, the Panthers earned a 20-point win on the road against the Roosters back in May, so one would think they could best that back at BlueBet Stadium in round 16 rugby betting picks.
Panthers vs. Roosters Betting Prediction
Penrith is that good. Any time they take the turf, it’s not a shock to see a 40-6 type score, and we know the Panthers are going to get theirs, but the Roosters don’t instill that same amount of confidence as the #7 scoring team in the NRL.
How to Bet on Panthers vs. Roosters
Go to any betting website that has rugby odds listed and take Penrith’s spread at -15.5.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.