The Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters will kick-start NRL Round 24 with a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash on Thursday night that could ultimately decide the minor premiership. 

Riding a seven-match winning streak, the Roosters enter the contest after coming from behind to beat the Bulldogs 20-18 on Friday. The result saw the Tricolours draw level on points with the Panthers. 

Meanwhile, Ivan Cleary’s side has dropped four of its last seven matches, most recently falling 28-12 to the Warriors on Friday. 

Penrith has lost Isaah Yeo to a pectoral injury, which sees Lindsay Smith shift to lock and Liam Henry start at prop. 

Jack Cogger is back after missing the trip to Auckland, while Dylan Edwards has been named in the reserves. 

James Tedesco is a late scratching for the Roosters after being named earlier in the week, so Cody Ramsey keeps his place at fullback. 

The Panthers dominated the Roosters 40-4 when these sides met inside the first month of the season, but a lot has changed since then. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this battle at the top, check out our Panthers vs Roosters tips and predictions below!

Panthers vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

What a way to open NRL Round 24. There’s nothing quite like a top of the table clash to get the blood pumping for a massive weekend of footy.

Perennial powerhouses the Panthers and the Roosters sit equal on points in first and second respectively, meaning the winner of this one will pull clear of the pack as outright numero uno. 

In terms of form, the Panthers have a stranglehold on this fixture, winning four of the last five meetings between these two sides.

However, there are actually a number of factors that are steering us towards backing the Chooks home here. Firstly, the Panthers were comprehensively beaten last week by the Warriors, while the Roosters recorded their seventh straight win.

The biggest consideration here, however, comes on the personnel front. The Panthers are set to be without their co-captain Issah Yeo who tore his pec in their loss to the Warriors and his influence in freeing up space for the likes of Cleary and co to do their thing cannot be emphasised enough.

Meanwhile, the Roosters fortunes in terms of injury couldn’t be more different as they look set to welcome back their skipper and main man James Tedesco who was a late scratching last week with an ongoing ankle complaint.

Put all this together and betting against the Panthers starts to look a lot less foolish than it usually does. 

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Does anyone love the big games more than this bloke? He’s even started delivering in Origin! 

Known for delivering for Penrith when it matters the most, Nathan Cleary has scored a try in four of his last five appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top eight and is our pick for first try scorer here. 

Betting tip: Nathan Cleary. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the Roosters last four matches in Sydney have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (41.4) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Sydney has failed to cover the line in each of their last five matches following a home win.

Betting tip: Panthers (-4.5) line. 

Panthers vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Billy Smith  

Billy Smith has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances.

Brian To'o 

Brian To'o has scored at least one try in each of Penrith's last five home matches against Sydney. 

Salesi Foketi 

Salesi Foketi has scored a try in each of Sydney's last two matches. 

Jaxen Edgar

Jaxen Edgar has scored a try in each of Penrith's last two matches. 

Panthers vs Roosters Teams 

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Jaxen Edgar

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Paul Alamoti

4. Izack Tago

5. Brian To'o

6. Jack Cogger

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Liam Henry

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Lindsay Smith

14. Billy Scott

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Luron Patea

17. Billy Phillips

18. Jack Cole

19. Blaize Talagi

Sydney Roosters Team List 

18. Cody Ramsay

2. Billy Smith

3. Hugo Savala

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte 

9. Reece Robson

10. Spencer Leniu

11. Salesi Foketi 

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson 

15. Lindsay Collins

16. Nat Butcher

17. Egan Butcher

19. Tommy Talau

Panthers vs Roosters Match Details 

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.