NRL live updates: Penrith Panthers face Sydney Roosters at CommBank Stadium

Phil MitchellUpdated August 13, 2026 — 8:29pm,first published 7:22pmKey Posts8.29pmHow good is this Roosters defence so farBy 30 min: Connor Watson handling error gifts the Panthers another chance to score, but the Roosters’ defence again repels another attacking raid. Defence wins big games, as they say. Roosters 6-08.18pmTRY! Roosters strike firstBy 20 min: Daly Cherry-Evans, in his 373rd NRL game, slices through from close range to open the scoring. Walker converts. Great reward for their defensive prowess at the other end of the field. Roosters 6-08.15pmBig moment in the matchBy 19 min: Penrith mount sustained pressure on the Roosters’ try line, but the visitors’ defence holds firm under enormous pressure. 0-08.04pmPanthers are up for thisBy 10 min: No score yet, but Penrith, stung by a loss to the Warriors last week, have had the better of play.7.54pmKick-offBy 1 min: Roosters have first use of the ball after Penrith kick off.7.48pmWatch: Highlights of the last time these teams metBy 7.33pmHow big a loss to Penrith is Isaah Yeo? Andrew Johns has his sayBy To underline just how important Isaah Yeo is to this champion Penrith side – and acknowledge his place in leading rugby league’s great modern-day dynasty – ask yourself how many points you think he’s worth on the scoreboard.When I consider just how influential Yeo is to the Panthers in attack, defence and as a co-captain, I think he translates to eight or even 10 points a game.Isaah Yeo is out with a pectoral injury.Getty ImagesI also don’t think he’ll play again this season, as hard as he’ll try to avoid surgery and rehabilitate his pectoral injury. It’s just such a significant injury and the way he reeled out of that tackle last Friday night had me instantly thinking “he’s done”.And if Isaah doesn’t return to the paddock, then Penrith don’t win the premiership in 2026.Click here for the full column6.40pmHow they line upBy Panthers: 20. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Liam Henry 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Lindsay Smith. Interchange: 14. Billy Scott 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Luron Patea 17. Billy Phillips 1. Jaxen Edgar 19. Blaize Talagi.Roosters: 18. Cody Ramsey 2. Billy Smith 3. Hugo Savala 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley. Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Tommy Talau 20. Rex Bassingthwaighte6.33pmWelcomeBy Thanks for joining us tonight. With so much at stake – the winner will be in the box seat to claim the minor premiership, and should gain an important psychological edge heading into the finals – this promises to be a cracker.In case you missed the big news yesterday, the Roosters were dealt a major blow when captain James Tedesco was ruled out for a second straight week because of an ankle injury. Cody Ramsey will again deputise at the back for the Tricolours, who are chasing an eighth straight win.Sidelined star James Tedesco.Getty ImagesThe Panthers, of course, have injury problems of their own, headed by the unavailability of co-captain Isaah Yeo (pectoral), who is racing the clock to recover in time for the finals. However, they have been boosted by the return of Dylan Edwards from a shoulder injury. How both sides cope with the absence of two of the NRL’s most influential players will go a long way to deciding the outcome of this match, which kicks off at 7:50. Like I said, it should be a beauty.1 of 1