CommBank Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 2 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters. The game kicks off at 8:05 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday March 14, 2025 at 8:05 pm

Where: CommBank Stadium

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Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters Odds

Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters Preview

Reeling from having a half-century put on them in Round 1, Sydney Roosters take on the NRL’s toughest assignment courtesy of a showdown with four-time premiers Penrith.

The Panthers play their first match with CommBank Stadium as their temporary home while their ground undergoes a redevelopment.

The champs kept rolling on with a hard-earned 28-22 win over Cronulla in Las Vegas, with the blue-chip quartet of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin.

As in previous years, the Panthers appear to have moved on from the departure of Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris with a minimum of fuss.

After missing Round 1, Brian To’o returns on the wing in a huge boost. Paul Alamoti goes to centre and Luke Garner moves to the bench with Luron Patea dropping out. Casey McLean is good to go on the other flank after suffering a head knock against the Sharks.

The Roosters scored an early long-range try last Thursday at Allianz, but that’s about as good as it got in a 50-14 thrashing at the hands of the Broncos.

The new-look centre pairing of Robert Toia and Mark Nawaqanitawase were arguably their best, but the long-time heavyweights had no impetus in the halves and their pack – under-strength but still full of rep stars – was completely overwhelmed.

There’s more injury pain for the Roosters with Victor Radley (concussion) ruled out. Round 1 debutant Salesi Foketi is set to start with Parramatta recruit Makahesi Makatoa joining the bench.

The Panthers are on a 10-match winning streak against the Roosters, with five of those coming by margins of 20-plus – including a 30-10 blowout in their qualifying final at Penrith six months ago.

The Panthers are eye-watering $1.06 favourites, with seemingly only early-season rust and travel fatigue able to prevent another blowout result at the Roosters’ expense.

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