The Panthers will be missing six of their biggest names when they meet the Bulldogs on Friday night but according to Andrew Johns it will be business as usual for the competition heavyweights.
Speaking to Brad Fittler for Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth’s Tips, Johns cited fill-in halfback Sean O’Sullivan’s kicking game as one of the main reasons the premiers wouldn’t miss a beat.
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“The Panthers have still got a really good team on paper,” Johns said.
“Sean O’Sullivan will play halfback … Sean O’Sullivan’s kicking game is up there with the best in the competition, so he’ll keep them in the game. I just think the Panthers will find a way to win.”
Fittler agreed.
“It’s a bit like that isn’t it? You’ve got to think the Bulldogs have got a few ex-Panthers there, they’ve got Kikau going there next year and he should make a statement,” Fittler said.
“I’m with you, I’ll go with the Panthers.”
Scroll below for the current leaderboard and Round 13 tips by Johns, Brad Fittler and all Nine’s expert tipsters!
Andrew Johns: Titans, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Brad Fittler: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Paul Gallen: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Darren Lockyer: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Dave Middleton: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Peter Psaltis: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Mat Thompson: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
The Mole: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
Ben Glover: Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Roosters
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