Round 24 NRL Preview: Vodafone Warriors v Panthers

ROUND 24 GAME PREVIEW

VODAFONE WARRIORS v PENRITH PANTHERS
Round 24, 2012 NRL Premiership
Sunday, August 19, 2012
NRL Kick-Off 2:00pm, NYC Kick-Off 11:45am
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referees: Gavin Badger/Dave Munro

Coming In To Round 24
Vodafone Warriors are 0-4 in their last four games, and are coming off a 52-12 loss to the Cowboys in Round 23.
They have averaged 14.3 ppg since Round 20, and have conceded 36.3 ppg in that period.
They sit 13th on the competition ladder, 6 points out of the Top 8.
Penrith Panthers are 2-2 in their last four games, and are coming off a 20-10 loss to the Raiders in Round 23.
They have averaged 16.3 ppg since Round 20, and have conceded 25.5 ppg in that period.
They sit 15th on the competition ladder, 10 points out of the Top 8.

Last Time They Met
Round 14, 2012 - Watch game highlights of their clash in Penrith earlier this season.
Last 10 Games - Vodafone Warriors 7, Panthers 2, Draw 1.
The Vodafone Warriors are riding a 4 game winning streak dating back to the start of 2010 and won 30-16 at Penrith earlier this season.

Team Changes and Late Mail
Find all the Vodafone Warriors Team and Injury News from Tuesday and full Round 24 Lineup here.

VODAFONE WARRIORS
C Tuimavave, B Tupou, L Brown, K Hurrell, M Vatuvei ©, J Maloney, S Johnson, Sione Lousi, N Friend, J Lillyman, F Mateo, B Henry, E Taylor.
Bench: R Packer, S Ikahihifo, M Luck, Steve Rapira, P Godinet.
PENRITH PANTHERS
M Gordon, J Mansour, T Robinson, B Tighe, D Simmons, L Coote, L Walsh, S McKendry, K Kingson ©, T Grant, C Newton, M Robinson, C Ciraldo.
Bench: D Weston, N Plum, D Galea, M Achurch.

Bottom Line

The Vodafone Warriors host the Penrith Panthers at Mt Smart on Sunday and despite neither team being able to make the Top 8 - some entertaining footy is on the cards.

Although the home team has lost Kevin Locke to an ankle sprain, it allowed youngster Carlos Tuimavave to get his chance at fullback and he showed some signs that he might have an impact this weekend.

But it was defensively where the Vodafone Warriors broke down and it has to be their main focus leading into the Panthers match. The Cowboys cut through the edge defence last Saturday and though Penrith don’t have the same level of attacking talent to throw at the Vodafone Warriors - Michael Gordon, Lachlan Coote and Luke Walsh could still create their share of damage.

In terms of causing damage on Saturday - there is an interesting subplot for the Vodafone Warriors with three rounds to go: the top tryscorer on the team.

Konrad Hurrell currently leads with 12 tries in 15 games, followed by Manu Vatuvei with 10 tries in 17 games (including his 100th NRL try last weekend) and halfback Shaun Johnson who is the darkhorse with 10 tries in 20 games.

Right now Hurrell is the favourite and his matchup with relative unknown Travis Robinson on Saturday might see him extend his lead considerably...

Who do you think will be the top tryscorer for the Vodafone Warriors in 2012?

Name your choice below.

How do you see the Vodafone Warriors v Panthers playing out this Sunday? Will you be there? Let us know in the comments below.