Both coming off the bye but with their seasons going in vastly different directions, the Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos will clash at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night. 

The Panthers dismantled the reigning premiers 26-0 when the sides met in Round 1, and the Broncos' fortunes have only worsened since then.

The visitors will enter this clash on an eight-match losing streak after a 28-16 defeat to the Sharks a fortnight ago. 

Meanwhile, the Panthers’ last outing was a 36-14 win over the Rabbitohs prior to last weekend’s bye. That victory saw them snap a two-match skid. 

Ivan Cleary welcomes back Casey McLean, Isaiah Papali'i, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin, leaving Penrith close to full strength. 

Michael Maguire regains Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura and Pat Carrigan in a huge boost for the side. Elsewhere, cult hero Billy Walters has been named amongst the reserves.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of the opening match of NRL Round 20, check out our Panthers and Broncos tips and predictions below!

Panthers vs Broncos Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

It’s the reigning premiers versus the heir apparent to their throne to open up NRL Round 20. Well, defending is a strong word, because the Broncos have done anything but defend their title this season.

In one of the worst premiership defences in recent memory, the Broncos losing streak ticked over to eight straight in their most recent outing against Cronulla.

They’ve had a bye since then to lick their wounds and regroup, but we are giving them little to no hope on the road against the table-topping Panthers who will be equally as fresh after their own week off. 

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

He’s still a few off, but there’s no denying the man they call Milky is eyeing off the NRL’s all-time record for most tries in a single season.

The all-time record is 38, and Jenkins currently sits on 25, with plenty of games to play, particularly if Penrith make the Grand Final, as they are widely tipped to do so.

If he wants to etch his name in history, he’ll want to start adding to his tally as early as possible in this one. Lucky for him, he has scored two tries in five of Penrith's last six matches against teams on a losing streak and is a natural tip for first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the last four matches between Penrith and Brisbane have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (45.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Brisbane have failed to cover the line in seven of their last eight matches.

Betting tip: Panthers (-14.5) line. 

Panthers vs Broncos Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Reece Walsh

Reece Walsh has scored at least one try in seven of his last eight appearances in New South Wales.

Brian To'o

In four of Penrith's last five home matches, their starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Kotoni Staggs

Kotoni Staggs has scored a try in each of Brisbane's last three away matches against the team that was on top of the ladder.

Paul Alamoti

Paul Alamoti has scored a try in four of his five previous appearances at CommBank Stadium against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Casey McLean

Casey McLean has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four.

Panthers vs Broncos Teams 

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To'o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Jack Cole

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Liam Henry

17. Billy Phillips

18. Izack Tago

Brisbane Broncos Team List 

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds (c)

8. Xavier Willison

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Brendan Piakura

12. Jordan Riki

13. Pat Carrigan

14. Ben Hunt 

15. Ben Talty

16. Preston Riki

17. Grant Anderson

18. Va'a Semu

Panthers vs Broncos Match Details 

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.