Two unbeaten sides from round one look to build on their strong starts as the Dragons host premiers Penrith at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The Red V didn't have it all their own way in downing the Warriors last week but pulled away at the end while the Panthers looked every bit the grand-final winning outfit despite missing star halfback Nathan Cleary as they easily accounted for fellow heavyweights Manly.
The Dragons enjoyed plenty of positive signs from their emerging young-guns, giving them something to build on into the season, but face a big step up against a Penrith side that were absolutely dominant in round one.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Dragons v Panthers
The Rundown
Team news
Dragons: Tariq Sims remains in the 19-man squad after the 24-hour cut and looks set to make a return after playing NSW Cup last weekend. Aaron Woods (hamstring) is replaced at prop by Francis Molo, with George Burgess coming on to the bench.
Panthers: No changes expected to the side named. Moses Leota's shoulder injury sees Spencer Leniu move to the run-on side with Matt Eisenhuth joining the bench.
Match: Dragons v Panthers
Round 2 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Panthers
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell SloanFullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
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Winger for Dragons is number 2 Cody RamseyWinger for Panthers is number 2 Charlie Staines
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Zac LomaxCentre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton
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Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
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Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Talatau AmoneFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome Luai
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Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Sean O'Sullivan
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris
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Hooker for Dragons is number 19 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Blake LawrieProp for Panthers is number 16 Matthew Eisenhuth
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Jack Bird2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'A2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin
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Lock for Dragons is number 20 Tariq SimsLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
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Interchange for Dragons is number 13 Jack De BelinInterchange for Panthers is number 8 Spencer Leniu
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Moses MbyeInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Mitch Kenny
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Josh KerrInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott Sorensen
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 George BurgessInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Jaeman Salmon
Reserves
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Replacement for Dragons is number 16 Jack GosiewskiReplacement for Panthers is number 18 J'maine Hopgood
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Tyrell Sloan v Dylan Edwards: Sloan started his career as the official first-choice Dragons fullback in fine style, setting up two tries against the Warriors. Edwards meanwhile was the unsung hero once again for the Panthers, chalking up a massive 344 run metres against Manly.
Stat attack
These two teams dominated possesion like no other club in round one, with Penrith holding the most ball of any side in round one with 59% and the Dragons equal-best of the rest with 57% possession against the Warriors.
