Raiders v Panthers preview

Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers
GIO Stadium - Monday 7:00pm

Two sides playing for pride in the nation's capital.

After having their season ended by an incorrect ruling against Manly, the Raiders delivered one of the most disinterested performances of the season against the Titans last Sunday. Adding to their woes is Joseph Leilua's suspension for a shoulder charge which will see him miss the remainder of 2015. In his place youngster Brenko Lee will play his first game of the season after biding his time in the Holden Cup. Managing just two wins at home all season, the Raiders will be hoping to finish the year off with a win at home for their loyal supporters, as well as providing former captain David Shillington with a final home win before he joins the Titans next season.

Poor execution and ball control ultimately proved costly for the Panthers last Thursday night, but the Panthers willingness to play an attacking brand of football should give the side confidence heading into the final Monday night fixture of 2015. With Elijah Taylor sidelined with a broken hand, Isaah Yeo will move to lock, allowing rookie Waqa Blake another opportunity to showcase his ability in the centres. Having gone down to the Raiders at Penrith a month ago, the Panthers will be looking for redemption as they look for their third win from their past four appearances in Canberra.

Last meeting: Round 20 2015 - Penrith Panthers 24 Canberra Raiders 34

Who to watch: Having shown glimpses of his potential early on in his career, Blake Austin has developed into the NRL's premier number six over the course of 2015. Coming up against his junior side, Austin will be looking to produce a stand-out performance after failing to make a major impact in recent weeks.

After making his debut for Australia at the end of 2014, Josh Mansour hasn't been able to achieve the same level of success this season. Spending large periods of the year sidelined through injury, Mansour has shown signs of his potential in recent weeks and will be hoping to finish the year off with a bang.

The favourite: Despite a disinterested performance last weekend, the Raiders are predicted to finish their season at GIO Stadium with a win.

My tip: Looking towards the future, both sides appear headed for big things; but in the short-term the Panthers are playing better. Panthers by 12.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Brenko Lee 5. Sisa Waqa 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Frank Paul Nuuausala 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Jarrad Kennedy 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Luke Bateman 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Shannon Boyd

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Lewis Brown 5. David Simmons 6. Apisai Koroisau 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Tyrone Peachey 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Tupou Sopoaga 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Leilani Latu 17. Sika Manu

Referees: Henry Perenara, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Kena Waikai; Video Referees: Gerard Sutton, Steve Folkes;

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