Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles Predictions: Panthers can take down Sea Eagles

The State of Origin has already caused some casualties across the NRL but the Penrith Panthers still look in good shape to overcome the Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday morning (07:05 kick-off).

Both the Panthers and the Sea Eagles will be sweating on the availability of some of their stars after the Origin opener on Wednesday morning.

The Sea Eagles stunned the Panthers at 4 Pines Park back in Round 5 and Penrith will be out for revenge when the sides are reunited at Penrith Stadium this weekend. Below you can find my Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles prediction.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Penrith are missing Nathan Cleary with a hamstring injury, while full-back Dylan Edwards was injured in Blues’ camp ahead of the opening Origin clash of the season.

That quad injury will keep Edwards out for the weekend, while back-rower Liam Martin is also sidelined with an ankle issue.

Other than that, head coach ivan Cleary will be hoping to have all his other stars available for Sunday’s showdown.

As for the Sea Eagles, they once again will have to do without their talented full-back Tom Trbojevic due to a hamstring injury, meaning Lehi Hopoate will continue in the role.

Tolutau Koula features in the centres, with Tommy Talau being pushed out to the wing where he replaces Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega.

New arrival Jake Simpkin has been included in the wider reserves and could yet join the match-day squad as an option at hooker.

Penrith Panthers vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds

Reigning NRL champions Penrith are 4/9 favourites - or a 69.2% chance - to win, while Manly are currently 19/10 to achieve a first double over the Panthers in a single season since 2011.

The draw is available at 18/1, while the Panthers to win by 13+ points is on offer at 8/5.

Penrith Panthers -8 handicap @ 21/20

With eight wins in their previous nine meetings, Penrith were the dominant force in this fixture before that shock defeat to the Sea Eagles in Round 5.

Revenge might well be a motivator for the hosts, who have not been beaten in consecutive games at Penrith Stadium since 2019.

Having lost their last home game against St George/Illawarra Dragons 22-10, expect a backlash from the Panthers, who can overcome the -8 handicap on Sunday.

Over 42.5 total points @ 5/6

In what might well be a high-scoring encounter, it’s worth taking a closer look at the total points market for this encounter at Penrith Stadium.

The Sea Eagles ran out 32-18 winners the last time these sides met, meaning over 42.5 total points would have landed in two of their last three meetings.

Considering the attacking talent on both sides, surpassing that total points tally looks achievable here.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.