Manly Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers Prediction: Panthers could get within the line despite the odds being against them

In the ongoing preseason contest of the National Rugby League, Manly Sea Eagles will play Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval. The home team comes in as the favourite here, while the Panthers are underdogs. How will this game unfold? Below, I provide match previews and offer the best betting opportunities.

Manly Sea Eagles

Manly Sea Eagles come into this game as the better team and will hope to show competitiveness. In their first preseason contest, the Manly Sea Eagles played the South Sydney Rabbitohs and pulled off a 24-34. In that encounter, Manly Sea Eagles won the first half 6-16 and a second half 18-18 draw was enough to see them win. Heading into this game, the Manly Sea Eagles have a win in three of their last five matches, defeating the Canterbury Bulldogs in two different encounters. 

Penrith Panthers

The Penrith Panthers played the Canberra Raiders in their first preseason game and they lost. In a 16-22 contest, this team struggled in each half, losing 4-6 and 12-16. In the meantime, the Penrith Panthers ended the previous season as champions, defeating the Melbourne Storm 6-14 in the final. However, away from home, Penrith Panthers have won four of their last five, defeating St. George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels, and Brisbane Broncos. 

Expert Betting Tips

The Penrith Panthers will have a number of their first-team players not playing, but I still believe they should not be written off completely. While the Manly Sea Eagles were solid against the Rabbitohs the previous week, I still do not see them having things easy here. Expect a more competitive encounter than it looks like on paper, as I will back the Panthers at full time.