LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The upcoming clash between the Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium is shaping up to be a true test of the Dragons' progress in the 2024 season.
With the Dragons sitting just outside the top eight by points differential, these next few games against top teams like the Panthers and Melbourne will determine their fate in the finals race.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has every reason to be proud of his team's improvements this season, but he knows they will need to bring their A-game against the defending champions.
The Panthers, led by their main man Nathan Cleary who made a triumphant return from injury with a game-winning field goal last weekend, are a force to be reckoned with.
With co-captain Isaah Yeo also returning to the lineup, the Panthers are looking formidable once again.
The Dragons can draw inspiration from their victory over the Panthers earlier in the season, when they emerged triumphant with a 22-10 win.
However, it's worth noting that the Panthers were missing some key players due to State of Origin commitments at the time.
In the world of Rugby League, anything can happen on game day.
It's sure to be an epic battle between these two rival teams, with pride and playoff hopes on the line.
Expect nothing less than a hard-fought contest filled with passion, determination, and a few surprises along the way.