BlueBet Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 22 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 29, 2023 at 7:35 pm

Where: BlueBet Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

Penrith appears to be in cruise control towards its third minor premiership in four seasons, while Cronulla has drifted from likely top-four team to potential Top 8 dropouts in a disastrous fortnight.

The ladder-leading Panthers have won nine of their last 10, easily disposing of the Bulldogs 44-18 in Nathan Cleary’s return match, with Brian To’o and Tyrone Peachey bagging doubles.

Taking their foot off the pedal in the second half, it was only the third time this season the champs have leaked more than 17 points.

Matt Eisenhuth replaces the injured Spencer Leniu, while gun Panthers centre Izack Tago remains sidelined.

The Sharks are sixth and could be ninth by the end of the weekend, reeling from a 44-12 loss to the Warriors in Auckland and a 30-26 defeat to Manly at home.

They rallied impressively from 30-0 down last Sunday, but the comeback could not disguise the threadbare defence of the first 45 minutes.

Wade Graham (toe) returns in the place of suspended rookie Jesse Colqhoun, while Cameron McInnes starts at lock with Dale Finucane out.

Siosifa Talakai – axed from the starting team along with Matt Moylan after the Auckland debacle – is on the bench after pulling out late last week.

Penrith has won five of its last six against Cronulla, including a 20-10 result at home in the teams’ lone 2022 encounter. The Sharks last won at Penrith in 2018.

The Sharks have an appalling record against the competition’s better teams this season and have suffered some terrible beatings on the road.

The $6.20 underdogs need a miracle against the NRL’s benchmark, who have won 32 of their last 35 at home.

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