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Penrith Panthers will continue the push for a fourth straight premiership when they take on Parramatta Eels on Friday night.
The Panthers look set to peak at just the right time once again as they target a fourth straight premiership, and they are priced at 2.60 to do it.
They currently sit second on the ladder, two points behind leaders Melbourne Storm, so the minor premiership is also in their sights.
A clash with the Storm in Round 24 is on the horizon, but first of all they must focus on taking two points of their western Sydney rivals.
The Eels have no chance of making the eight but still have their pride to play for.
They will also be keen to impress incoming coach Jason Ryles, so some will be playing for their futures.
It means another fierce derby clash is on the cards, at a venue where the Panthers have struggled in recent times.
. What: Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers
. Where: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
. When: 20:00 (AEST), Friday 9th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Parramatta Eels 5.00, Penrith Panthers 1.17
Eels target strong finish
Parramatta sit in 16th spot on the ladder after picking up just five wins all season, but they will be keen to finish the season strongly.
There is the opportunity to build some momentum for the new season when they will be coached by Jason Ryles.
Ryles will be watching closely and will have been impressed with the way the Eels beat the Warriors 30-20 in Round 22.
They now need to build on it, and a shock win over the Panthers would bring some of the feel-good factor back to the club.
However they have not won back-to-back games all season, while their record at CommBank has not been great.
They have lost four of the last five at the venue, so have work to do to get the job done on Friday night.
Trent Barrett has named the same 17 that won in New Zealand, and they are priced at 13.00 to beat the Panthers by 1-5 points.
Laurie back for Panthers
Penrith have been boosted by the return of Daine Laurie following concussion and he will slot straight in at fullback, with Dylan Edwards still out injured.
CommBank Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for the Panthers, winning 12 of their 25 visits there.
The last time they beat the Eels at the venue was back in 2019 and they will be keen to end that drought in this latest clash.
They are the hot fancies heading into the game and can be backed at 1.60 to win it by 13+ points.
Nathan Cleary has been in great form since returning from injury and will be a huge threat once again.
The playmaker has scored 52 points in the last three game and is 2.65 to score a try at anytime.
