LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The North Queensland Cowboys face a daunting challenge as they prepare to take on the Penrith Panthers in Penrith in their bid to secure a spot in the NRL finals for the 2023 season.
The Cowboys will need to overcome this formidable opponent if they are to keep their finals hopes alive.
According to reports from penrithpanthers.com.au, the Cowboys' chances of making it to the finals will greatly improve if they can defeat the Panthers and if the South Sydney Rabbitohs lose to the Sydney Roosters.
However, even if the Rabbitohs win, the Cowboys could still have a chance if the Canberra Raiders lose to the Cronulla Sharks.
On the other hand, the Panthers will have an idea of their chances of claiming the minor premiership even before the game starts.
They will need the Brisbane Broncos to lose to the Melbourne Storm in order to keep their hopes alive of winning the J.J Giltinan Shield for a second consecutive year.
After suffering a surprising loss to the Parramatta Eels last week, the Panthers will be eager to bounce back and regain their winning form.
Their last defeat prior to that was against the Cowboys in mid-June in a close golden point loss.
While the Cowboys have had success against the Panthers in their previous two encounters, winning both matches, they face a tough task at BlueBet Stadium.
The Panthers have only lost twice at their home ground this season and were undefeated there since Round 1 before their loss last week.
In summary, the Cowboys need to conquer the tough challenge of defeating the Panthers in Penrith to secure their spot in the NRL finals for 2023.
Meanwhile, the Panthers will be looking to bounce back and keep their hopes of claiming the minor premiership alive.