NRL R4: Roosters v Panthers preview, betting picks & top odds

Roosters vs Panthers Rd 4 best bets

Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers NRL match preview

Round four of the NRL Premiership kicks off in Sydney this Thursday night with the Roosters hosting the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium.

Both sides are coming off emphatic victories in round three. The Panthers put away the Broncos by 22 points, while the Roosters’ 48-6 win over the Rabbitohs was arguably the performance of the weekend.

The Penrith Panthers will be without superstar halfback Nathan Cleary (hamstring), with coach Ivan Cleary naming Brad Schneider as the replacement.

The visitors will also be without second-rower Scott Sorenson (knee), with Luke Garner being named on the edge. Mavrik Geyer — son of 1991 premiership winner Mark Geyer — will make his NRL debut from the interchange bench.

The Sydney Roosters are not without their injury issues, with coach Trent Robinson naming Luke Keary to make his return at five-eighth in place of Sandon Smith (elbow). Lindsay Collins (hamstring) is also out, with Terrell May named to start in the forwards, bringing Egan Butcher onto the interchange bench.

Roosters vs Panthers NRL betting tips

The Panthers started their last five matches against the Roosters as favourites and won on each occasion, but Cleary’s absence changes things. The fact the visitors have won each of their last eight matches against Sydney keeps their head-to-head price shorter than it should be with the best NRL bookmakers. The Roosters should win and cover the -4.5 handicap at -111.11 to kick off round four.

Dominic Young has had a red-hot start to his career at the Roosters, scoring two tries to go with 14 tackle breaks and four line breaks. Going back to his time with the Knights, the young English winger has scored at least one try in five of his last six matches. Against the smaller Sunia Turuva on Thursday, Young should be able to score a try at some stage as a -111.11 hope.

The left-edge attack of the Panthers was on fire last week against the Broncos, which resulted in winger Brian To’o scoring twice. With Liam Martin, Jarome Luai, and Taylan May all staying in the side, the left will most likely be the visitors’ most dominant attacking edge. To’o has scored at least one try in each of Penrith’s last three matches against the Roosters and should be able to extend that streak as a +130 anytime tryscorer chance.

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