Rugby League / James Cleary / 17 September 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

According to James Cleary, the Sydney Roosters could take a step closer to NRL glory when they host the Panthers in a winner-takes-all clash at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Sydney, who finished 6th in the regular season, were 19-15 winners at this venue 'away' to Wests Tigers in week 1 of the play-offs.

Braith Anasta's last-gasp field goal kept their hopes alive after they had trailed 15-2 with 20 minutes left - this after the Tigers had given up possession - before Shaun Kenny-Dowall's 100th-minute try (his 12th in seven games) won it in extra time.

The Panthers were shocked 24-22 at home to the Raiders last week, and despite finishing the regular season in 2nd, have thus surrendered home advantage for this one, and favouritism in light of their patchy form and injury-ravaged side.

Only long-term injury victim Shane Shackelton is absent for the Roosters. They do start with Jake Friend in place of James Arbusson at hooker, with Joseph Leilua added to the bench.

The Panthers face an uphill battle, with Trent Waterhouse ruled out with a serious left pectoral muscle problem. Frank Pritchard has torn his hamstring while Tim Grant could miss out with an ankle problem. Lachlan Coote is likely to be missing having been deemed unfit with a groin injury - all four big players for Penrith - while Luke Lewis has niggling calf and shoulder worries, but is likely to turn out.

The only change is in the pack, with Gavin Cooper and Nathan Smith in the 13 for Waterhouse and Pritchard, while captain Petero Civoniceva returns following a ban.

The Panthers were easy winners when the sides last met back in April as Lachlan Coote stole the show in a 28-6 victory at Penrith, although crucially for the Roosters the full-back is unlikely to be able to repeat the feat here.

The Roosters were 32-12 winners last time at this venue in 2008, while in the last eight there is a 4-4 record between the sides, the Panthers having won the last two by a comfortable margin. They have also won three of their last four games at this venue.

The Roosters will aim to be quick out of the blocks after an awful first 40 of missed tackles, defensive scrambling and minimal attacking threat last week. What cannot be disputed is their collective fitness. They will be wary of kicking tactics, with the Panthers enjoying particular success with scores via the boot in 2010.

But with Dally M medal winner Todd Carney and try machine Kenny-Dowall on song, the home outfit will be confident of success.

Ultimately, the side that makes the gains, completes their sets and makes the fewest mistakes is likely to come out on top.

The Roosters' attacking consistency - and the Panthers inconsistency - should see them home by 10+.

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