The Panthers will miss six big names when they meet the Bulldogs on Friday night, but Andrew Johns says it will be business as usual for the competition heavyweights.
Talking to Brad Fitler for the Wide World of Sports’ Tips from Freddie and VIIIJohns cites Phil-in halfback Shawn O’Sullivan’s kicking game as one of the main reasons why premiers don’t miss a beat.
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“The Panthers still got a really good team on paper,” Johns said.
“Shawn O’Sullivan will play a halfback … Shawn O’Sullivan’s kick is with the best of the competition, so he will keep them in the game. I think the Panthers will find a way to win.”
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Fitler agreed.
“It’s a bit like that, isn’t it? You think the Bulldogs got some ex-panthers there, they’ll go to Kikou next year and give him a statement,” Fitler said.
“I’m with you. I’ll go with the Panthers.”
Scroll down for the current leaderboard and round 13 tips from Johns, Brad Fitler and all the expert tipsters of Nine!
Andrew Johns: Titans, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Rosters
Brad Fitler: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Paul Galen: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Darren Locker: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Dave Middleton: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Peter Saltis: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Matt Thompson: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Mole: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
Ben Glover: Cowboy, Panther, Sea Eagle, Rooster
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