Panthers v Broncos NRL R3 betting picks | March 21, 2024

Penrith v Brisbane best bets

Panthers v Broncos match preview

Round three of the 2024 NRL Premiership season kicks off in Penrith with a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final as the Panthers host the Brisbane Broncos at BlueBet Stadium. Both sides have lost key members of their sides following their matches in round two, but will that be enough to balance out Thursday’s clash?

The Broncos will be captained by Pat Carrigan following the loss of halfback Adam Reynolds (knee), who has been replaced by Jock Madden. Coach Kevin Walters has named an otherwise unchanged line-up.

The Panthers will be without front-row enforcer James Fisher-Harris (shoulder), with Lindsay Smith being named as his replacement and Matt Eisenhuth being added to the interchange bench.

Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos predictions

Support for the Panthers has been relentless following the news that Broncos forward Payne Haas was under an injury cloud and Reynolds would not be playing for the visitors. Penrith have been back from -111.11 into as short as -357.14 following that news. The Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 matches at BlueBet Stadium, and they should do enough in this one to get up by 13 or more points at +130 with Bovada.

Izack Tago put on one of the most incredible attacking displays in recent history against the Eels last week, scoring one try, setting up another, breaking six defensive lines and sticking a whopping nine tackles. This game offers another opportunity for a strong showing from Tago, especially considering the issues Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs suffers in defence on occasion. Punters can get great value at +140 for Tago to score a try at any time.

Cool, dry conditions are predicted for Penrith on Thursday, which will assist the Panthers’ ability to move strongly through the centre third of the field and create try-scoring opportunities for their outside backs. If the Broncos are not able to control the ruck and use their line speed in defence to limit the time the Panthers have with the ball, this could go easily go over 37.5 total match points (-111.11).

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