TWL Rd 13 Preview: Streaking Warriors' ultimate litmus test looms against ruthless Panthers
A top-of-the-table encounter on Sunday night provides the Warriors with an opportunity to underline their premiership credentials once and for all.
WARRIORS V PANTHERS - 8.15PM (NZT)/6.15PM (AEST) SUNDAY, MAY 31 @ COMMBANK STADIUM, SYDNEY
The Storylines
It’s arguably the biggest showdown of the 2026 NRL season to date: ladder-leading perennial heavyweight Penrith hosting burgeoning second-placed juggernaut the Warriors.
The rivals have lost just three of 22 games between them this season. The Warriors have won six straight; the Panthers have won five in a row. The Panthers are first in the NRL defensively and second in attack; the Warriors are second and first, respectively.
It’s a huge chance for the Warriors to prove themselves. You can only play who’s in front of you, but their current winning streak is against teams exclusively sitting eighth or lower on the ladder currently — including five of the bottom seven teams and each of the bottom four.
It’s worth mentioning that group of victims includes both of the 2025 grand finalists — and the Warriors beat the hell out of them in high-profile clashes.
State of Origin has taken the edge of this blockbuster slightly: Andrew Webster opted to rest rep forwards Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell — though they boast miles of depth to cover those absences — while the Panthers are keeping everyone guessing with NSW quartet Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Casey McLean named in the reserves contingent.
But the Panthers’ line-up even without their Origin stars is formidable. Cleary’s presence or otherwise is the chief make-or-break factor…and if he doesn’t back up, the pressure is on the Warriors to come up with the result.
Ins and Outs
Adam Pompey returns at left centre following Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s devastating ACL injury, while the decision to rest Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett sees Jacob Laban get another second-row start and Tanner Stowers-Smith retain a spot on the bench.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeva’s concussion has resulted in Marata Niukore’s recall to the interchange, though it could be second-rower Kayliss Fatialofa in line for an NRL debut. Luke Hanson has been included on the six-man bench with Luke Metcalf in the reserves and named in NSW Cup.
If the Panthers’ Blues contingent is indeed rested, Luke Garner will play centre, Paul Alamoti slots in on the wing, Lindsay Smith starts at lock with Liam Henry at prop, and Jack Cogger gets a run at halfback. But the feeling is at least a couple of Nathan Cleary, Casey McLean, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo will line up.
Liam Martin returns from injury in a huge boost for the Panthers, while ex-Warrior Freddy Lussick remains at hooker for the injured Mitch Kenny.
The History
Overall record: Played 54 – Penrith won 34, Warriors won 19, draws 1; Penrith scored 1,403 points, Warriors scored 1,113 points.
Biggest wins: Penrith – 62-6 at Centrebet Stadium, 2013; Warriors – 52-8 at Mt Smart Stadium, 2001.
Longest winning streaks: Penrith – 8 matches (2019-23); Warriors – 4 matches (2010-12).
Finals: Played 4 – Penrith won 4.
Most appearances: Simon Mannering (Warriors) – 21; James Fisher-Harris (Penrith and Warriors) – 19; Isaah Yeo (Penrith) – 19; Craig Gower (Penrith) – 17; Shaun Johnson (Warriors) – 17; Stacey Jones (Warriors) – 17; James Fisher-Harris (Penrith and Warriors) – 17; Moses Leota (Penrith) – 16; Manu Vatuvei (Warriors) – 16; Jacob Lillyman (Warriors) – 15; Tony Puleuta (Penrith) – 15; Sam Rapira (Warriors) – 15;Luke Lewis (Penrith) – 14; Josh Mansour (Penrith) – 14; Ben Matulino (Warriors) – 14; Trent Waterhouse (Penrith) – 14.
Most tries: Manu Vatuvei (Warriors) – 12; Luke Rooney (Penrith) – 10; Rhys Wesser (Penrith) – 10; Ryan Girdler (Penrith) – 9; David Fusitu’a (Warriors) – 8; Tyrone Peachey (Penrith) – 8; Josh Mansour (Penrith) – 8; Brian To’o (Penrith) – 8; Logan Swann (Warriors) – 7.
Most points: Ryan Girdler (Penrith) – 113; Nathan Cleary (Penrith) – 96; Preston Campbell (Penrith) – 80; Michael Gordon (Penrith) – 76; Shaun Johnson (Warriors) – 72; James Maloney (Warriors and Penrith) – 62; Manu Vatuvei (Warriors) – 48; Luke Walsh (Penrith) – 48.
THE RIVALRY: WARRIORS V PANTHERS
The Warriors’ seesawing rivalry with the Penrith Panthers includes two shared coaches (three if you count a Panthers assistant who returned to take the head coach reins at the Warriors), several stars who have turned out for both clubs, four finals matches and a truckload of points. But after 31 seasons, it’s the Panthers who hold a commanding advantage after getting the better of the Warriors over the past decade.
The Stats
The Panthers have won 10 of their last 11 against the Warriors.
Only one of the teams’ last eight encounters was decided by a single-digit margin — the Warriors’ Magic Round upset in 2024.
Only one of the last 13 Panthers-Warriors clashes has produced more than 46 points.
