St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers Predictions: Panthers to maintain title charge

After some improved results in recent weeks, St George Illawarra Dragons ‘ play-off credentials will be tested when they host reigning NRL champions Penrith Panthers on Sunday. 

The Dragons have won five of their last eight games to move into the top eight, but they face their toughest test for weeks when they host the reigning Premiers. Penrith have matched St George’s record in the last eight matches, and Sunday’s game promises to be one of the best of the season should both teams show their recent form at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong. 

Rugby League Odds

Team News 

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan will welcome back Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt after their recent State of Origin exploits, meaning Mikaele Ravalawa and Jesse Marschke drop out, with the latter nursing a hamstring injury. 

Raymond Faitala-Mariner has recovered from back spasms to start, so Luciano Leilua drops to the bench, and Jack Bird is named as the 18th man. 

Panthers trio Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo all return, as does Brian To’o, but full-back Dylan Edwards is still sidelined with a knee injury. 

Liam Henry drops to the bench, Luron Patea drops out of the side, Matt Eisenhuth has been named as the 18th man, while Brad Schneider will feature for the reserves. 

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Penrith Panthers Odds

Despite having home advantage, the Dragons are 3/1 to collect the two points on Sunday, while the draw is as big as 25/1, with Penrith named 1/4 favourites. 

Our price boost is for Penrith to score the first three tries in the game at 11/4. 

The Dragons are 10/11 to cover the +12 handicap, while Penrith are 21/20 to secure a comfortable win by winning by 13 or more. 

Those who fancy a high-scoring game can back Over 47.5 points at 5/6 

Penrith Panthers -12 @ 21/20 

The rest of the NRL are no doubt tired of the relentless machine that is the Panthers, the winners of the last three Grand Finals under coach Ivan Cleary. 

Penrith have navigated the recent Origin period brilliantly, and they also have half-back Nathan Cleary back from his hamstring injury. Cleary returned last week to help his side beat the Dolphins 28-26, and Penrith’s squad is almost at full strength with the exception of Edwards. 

The Panthers have won six of their last seven games against the Dragons and they should again prove too strong in a bruising battle. 

Under 47.5 points @ 10/11 

The next two games will be pivotal in the Dragons’ season, as they face league leaders Melbourne Storm next week. 

Should they lose both they are likely to miss out on the play-offs, so Flanagan’s team will be firing on all cylinders for Sunday’s contest as they look to lay down a marker. 

St George have won three from three at WIN Stadium this year and will be roared on by their passionate fanbase who can sense a playoff push is realistic. 

While Penrith should come out on top, the Dragons will not go down without a fight, and we are unlikely to witness a high-scoring shootout with the teams evenly matched in several areas. 

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.