The Penrith Panthers will look to remain unbeaten in 2026 when they take on the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

The Panthers look back to their defensive best, conceding just one try across the opening two rounds despite facing quality opponents in the Broncos and Sharks.

They now face a Sydney side they’ve dominated recently, winning 11 of their last 12 clashes. With that said, the Roosters are fresh off a confidence-boosting rivalry win over South Sydney, led by skipper James Tedesco.

Sydney recruit Reece Robson will make his club debut earlier than expected after overcoming a preseason thumb injury, with Benaiah Ioelu shifting to 19th man in the home side’s only change.

Clive Churchill Medallist Liam Martin returns for his first game of the season after overcoming a calf injury, pushing Luke Garner to the bench. Jack Cogger is out following a head knock, with Freddy Lussick joining the interchange.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this clash under Friday night lights, check out our Roosters vs Panthers tips and predictions below.

Roosters vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Roosters and Panthers are set to kick-off one of the best Friday Night double headers in recent history at Allianz Stadium this week.

You’d be forgiven for forgetting the Roosters actually won last week, with the result rightfully overshadowed by Johnston and his record-breaking performance.

Despite a full-scale pitch invasion and all the attention being on their rivals the Rabbitohs and their prolific winger, the Chooks still found a way to cut through all the noise and secure the points.

After a shaky start to life in the tri-colours, new recruit Daly Cherry-Evans showed why his new employers decided to gamble on the nearly 38-year-old veteran, turning in a match-winning display.

He’ll need to be at his best if he wants to guide his new side home against the Panthers here, as there is no doubt about it, Penrith are once again the team to beat in the NRL.

Ivan Cleary’s side barely put a paw wrong as they mauled the Sharks by 20 points in Bathurst, with literal favourite son Nathan Cleary pulling the string in the middle of the park to perfection.

Winger Thomas Jenkins has also hit the ground running to start the season, with a brace in both of his first two games. Look to him to add to his tally, should the Panthers continue to purr here as expected.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers.

First Try Scorer Prediction

Penrith have a new try scoring machine and his name is Thomas Jenkins. The Panther’s winger has started the season like a house on fire, bagging a double in each of his side’s first two fixtures.

With four tries in two games and with Nathan Clearly supplying the ammo, Jenkins stands out as a very viable option for first try scorer here.

Betting tip: Thomas Jenkins.

Over/Under Prediction

Seven of Sydney's last eight matches as an underdog have gone over the total match points line.

Betting tip: Over (45.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Sydney has covered the line in 10 of their last 11 Friday home matches.

Betting tip: Roosters (+5.5) line.

Roosters vs Panthers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Mark Nawaqanitawase

Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored at least one try in each of his nine previous appearances against teams on a winning streak.

Brian To'o

Brian To'o has scored a try in each of his last five appearances with Penrith as a favourite against Sydney

Daniel Tupou

Daniel Tupou has scored at least one try in each of Sydney's last eight home matches.

Casey McLean

Casey McLean has scored at least one try in each of Penrith's last six Friday matches.

Dylan Edwards

Dylan Edwards has scored a try in each of Penrith's last three away matches against Sydney.

Roosters vs Panthers Teams

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Fetalaiga Pauga

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Reece Robson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Egan Butcher

14. Connor Watson

15. Blake Steep

16. Nat Butcher

17. Salesi Foketi

18. Cody Ramsay

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. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith 

11. Isaiah Papali'i

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Freddy Lussick

15. Billy Phillips

16. Scott Sorensen

17. Luke Garner 

18. Izack Tago

Roosters vs Panthers Match Details

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.