Assuming the Panthers win this weekend and hold onto second place on the NRL ladder, they will face either the Roosters or Sharks in a Week 1 qualifying final.
Both those teams pose their own kind of threat, but is there a preferred match-up for the reigning champions?
Of course, there is a chance a shock Panthers loss throws a spanner in the works, but they are heavily favoured against the Titans.
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We take a look at Penrith's head-to-head history against their two potential qualifying final opponents:
Panthers vs. Roosters NRL head-to-head record
Long term, the Roosters have been fairly successful against the Panthers, winning 60 over their 106 clashes.
It's been a different story in recent years, however.
The Tricolours have failed to beat Penrith since 2019, with the Panthers currently riding a nine-match win streak against the Bondi club.
Head-to-head form aside, the Roosters will also be contending with the absence of key players during the upcoming finals series, including long-term injuries to Sam Walker and Brandon Smith.
Wins for the Panthers and Roosters in Round 27 would see them remain in second and third in the standings and result in them facing off in the first week of the finals series.
Overall
- Total matches: 106
- Panthers: 45
- Roosters: 60
- Draws: 1
Last five results
- Roosters 16 def. by Panthers 22 (Mar. 28, 2024)
- Roosters 6 def. by Panthers 30 (Jun. 10, 2023)
- Panthers 48 def. Roosters 4 (May 12, 2023)
- Panthers 26 def. Roosters 18 (Jul. 1, 2022)
- Roosters 12 def. by Panthers 22 (May 21, 2022)
Panthers vs. Sharks NRL head-to-head record
Historically, it's been relatively close between the Panthers and Sharks, with the latter winning 57 of their 110 match-ups.
Penrith have the edge in their recent head-to-head record, although it is not quite as commanding as their streak against the Roosters.
Ivan Cleary's men have won four of their last five against Cronulla, and seven of their last 10.
It's worth noting, though, that the Panthers have enjoyed some blowouts against the Sharks, beating them to nil on three occasions since 2021.
The Sharks have a tricky match in Manly in Round 27 but can jump to third if they win and the Roosters lose their clash, which would line up a battle with Penrith in Week 1 of the finals.
Overall
- Total matches: 110
- Panthers: 50
- Sharks: 57
- Draws: 3
Last five
- Sharks 0 def. by Panthers 42 (May 25, 2024)
- Panthers 28 def. Sharks 0 (Jul. 29, 2023)
- Panthers 20 def. Sharks 10 (Jul. 23, 2022)
- Sharks 19 def. Panthers 18 (Jul. 11, 2021)
- Panthers 48 def. Sharks 0 (May 7, 2021)
