BlueBet Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 26 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels. The game kicks off at 7:50 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. Parramatta Eels game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday August 24, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: BlueBet Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels Odds

Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels Preview

The second NRL grand final rematch of the year and one of the code’s fiercest derbies has a feeling of inevitability about it, with Penrith striving to keep its nose in front in the minor premiership race – and snuff out any miniscule mathematical playoff hopes Parramatta may still be harbouring in the process.

Parramatta has won its last three regular-season matches against Penrith, including a 17-16 thriller at home in Round 4 courtesy of a Mitch Moses field goal.

Besides a five-match tear mid-season, that’s about as good as the Eels’ season has got, however.

With Moses succumbing to injury, the 2022 runners-up have effectively dipped out of the race with heavy losses to the Broncos (54-10) and Roosters (34-12) in the past fortnight.

The front-running Panthers are coasting to the finals, currently riding an eight-match winning streak.

After a scratchy 24-12 defeat of Manly, the two-time champs pulled away late in a 40-14 victory on the Gold Coast last Saturday.

Panthers winger Brian To’o returns for Tom Jenkins, while Mitch Kenny and Scott Sorensen are still out for the premiers.

The Eels’ only change sees Shaun Lane (elbow) come back on the bench at Brendan Hands’ expense.

The wheels have fallen off for the Eels on both sides of the ball, and don’t expect any let-up from a Panthers outfit that is conceding just 12.2 points per game.

Content provided by Ladbrokes