NRL Round Six Predictions: Key Injury Threatens to Hand ‘Vulnerable’ Panthers Fifth Consecutive Loss

Penrith’s challenging season opener takes a further twist on Thursday night, with a match against a revitalised Dolphins side set to kick off the week.

The defending champions are on a four-match losing streak and now face Kristian Woolf’s squad, who showed signs of resurgence last weekend and are pleased to have Tom Gilbert back in their ranks.

On the injury front, the Panthers have received some good news with Dylan Edwards returning as fullback and Scott Sorensen coming back into the back-row.

However, a notable absence has caught the attention of league legend Andrew Johns.

“Without Mitch Kenny, they are really exposed – he does a lot of the dirty work in the middle,” he remarked on Freddy and The Eighth’s Tips.

“I’m backing the Dolphins; I reckon they’ve got a solid chance.”

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Another significant change for Penrith in round six is Blaize Talagi stepping into the No.6 shirt after waiting for his opportunity early in the season.

“It’ll be fascinating to see how he performs,” said Brad Fittler.

“When he came on against Melbourne, I thought his defence was impressive. I haven’t quite understood why he hasn’t had more game time.”

“At Parramatta, he demonstrated versatility by playing in numerous positions … he’s a genuine footy player.”

Johns praised the four-time champions for how they’ve integrated Talagi into the squad since he came on board during the off-season.

Scroll down for the latest leaderboard and Round 6 predictions from Nine’s experts!

Andrew Johns: Dolphins, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Knights

Darren Lockyer: Dolphins, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Eels, Storm, Knights

Brad Fittler: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Tigers

Paul Gallen: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Knights

Johnathan Thurston: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Tigers

The Mole: Panthers, Titans, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Tigers

Michael Chammas: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Storm, Tigers

David Middleton: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Knights

Peter Psaltis: Panthers, Titans, Broncos, Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Knights

Mat Thompson: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Storm, Tigers

Danika Mason: Panthers, Titans, Broncos, Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Tigers

Ben Glover: Panthers, Dragons, Broncos, Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Raiders, Storm, Knights