After a horrific start to 2025, life doesn’t get any easier for the Sydney Roosters as they face the four-time reigning champions Penrith at CommBank Stadium on Friday night.
The Panthers have an imposing record against the Roosters throughout recent history, having won each of their last 10 outings against the Tri-colours.
It comes as no surprise then that the Panthers are overwhelming favourites in the head-to-head market.
To make matters worse for the Chooks, thanks to the extended break from their last match since it was in Vegas, the Panthers have been bolstered by the return of Brian To’o.
Can the Roosters defy the odds and prove there is some fight left in them despite being down on troops and belief? Or will this all be one way Penrith traffic as anticipated?
Let’s find out. Here’s how both of these sides will line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. This is our Panthers vs Rooster prediction and preview.
Panthers vs Roosters Round 2 Teams
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Casey McLean
3. Izack Tago
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Brian To’o
6. Jack Cole
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Daine Laurie
15. Isaiah Papali'i
16. Matthew Eisenhuth
17. Luke Garner
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase
4. Robert Toia
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Lindsay Collins
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Angus Crichton
12. Siua Wong
13. Salesi Foketi
14. Zach Docker-Clay
15. Makahesi Makatoa
16. Blake Steep
17. Taylor Losalu
Panthers vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
No Jarome Luai, no problem. The Penrith juggernaut rolled on in Vegas without their star pivot, who was back in Sydney preparing for his first game as a Tiger, seeing off the ultra-competitive Sharks.
Cronulla are tipped to be top four material this year, but Penrith are still on another level, and it appears they are going to give a fifth consecutive premiership a red-hot crack in 2025.
For their opponents this week, the Roosters, it will be all about damage mitigation this season.
They are undergoing a well-advertised rebuild at the moment, which was very evident as the Broncos put a half century on them last start.
With a shallow squad there’s only so much you can do, and the Roosters could be in for another tough outing here.
Betting tip: Penrith Panthers.
First Try Scorer Prediction
Representative winger and certified meter-eater Brian To’o has scored at least one try in each of Penrith’s last four home matches against the Chooks.
With the Panthers predicted to produce plenty of points in this one, backing one of their players to find the line first seems like the smart play.
Backing a player who has an exceptional track record against this particular team seems even smarter.
Betting tip: Brian To’o.
Over/Under Prediction
Eight of the Roosters’ last 10 matches have gone over the total match points line of 50.5.
They nearly conceded more than that total themselves last week and against a purring Panthers’ outfit, there could be plenty more pain and points for and against the Tri-colours in this one.
Betting tip: Over total match points.
Panthers vs Roosters Match Details
Date: Friday, March 14, 2025.
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.
Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.