Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers Predictions: Price Boost for fast Penrith start

Penrith Panthers’ assault on a fourth successive NRL Premiership title continues on Friday when they head to 23 miles east to face the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium (kick-off 11:00 BST, 20:00 local, live on Watch NRL).

The Panthers are aiming for another top-two finish, while their hosts are targeting back-to-back wins after ending a six-game losing streak last time out. My Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers predictions shouldn’t surprise many…

Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers Odds

The three-time reigning champions are huge favourites for the win in Parramatta, with Betfred pricing them at 1/7 to take the honours in 80 minutes. The hometown Eels are 9/2 to upset all the form books by taking the two points.

A draw in regulation is available at 25/1, while Betfred are offering a Price Boost on the Panthers scoring the game’s first three tries. The initial 2/1 has now been extended to 9/4, making the implied probability 30.8%.

Team News

Interim Eels coach Trent Barrett makes a single change to his squad after the victory over the New Zealand Warriors last week which bucked a six-game skid. Matt Doorey comes onto the bench in place of Luca Moretti, who has a quad injury, meaning the starting XIII is unchanged.

Barrett remains without the likes of Bailey Simonsson, Junior Paulo, Maika Sivo, Haze Dunster, Mitchell Moses and J’maine Hopgood, and was this week left fielding questions on Moses’ future with the club.

The star half has been rumoured to be seeking an early release from CommBank despite having two years left to run on his deal and player options for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.

Rugby League Odds

For the Panthers, there is still no Dylan Edwards, who could return next week from a knee injury, while Jesse McLean and James Fisher-Harris are also absent.

Daine Laurie comes back in at full-back after concussion, with Isaiah Iongi dropping to the reserve list. Lindsay Smith starts having been on the bench last week, with Matt Eisenhuth making way in the front row.

Panthers by 1-12 points @ 12/5

It’s tempting to believe that the champs will run away with this one given the comparative form of the two sides in 2024 – and indeed since the beginning of 2023.

But, of the Panthers’ 14 wins this season, only nine have been by more than a 12-point margin. Ivan Cleary’s side seem to love chiselling out results in tight contests, with blow-outs rarely on the menu.

So the win by 13+ points at 8/13 doesn’t seem to hold much value, and as a result I fancy Penrith to again take it home with just enough to spare.

Panthers to score the first 3 tries @ 9/4 (Price Boost from 2/1)

This is where I might sound like I’m contradicting myself a little, but Betfred’s Price Boost on the Panthers getting a convincing start is worth a go, I reckon.

In a game in which I can see the visitors starting hot, then holding the Eels far enough at bay without running away with it, I can well see the Panthers scoring a few early tries and then also coming in as sub-12-point winners.

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