• Home
  • Rugby League
  • NRL

Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers NRL Betting Tips - McLean tries backed in Round 14

jeremy-darke
Editor
Last updated: Fri 05 Jun 2026 10:51
The Penrith Panthers enter Round 14 on a dominant six-game winning streak and sit atop the ladder with an 11-1 record. Recent history strongly favors Penrith, having won four of their last five against the Wests Tigers, including a 36-2 thrashing last season. While the Tigers snapped a poor run with a recent win, their defensive issues remain, making it unlikely they’ll trouble the league’s best defence. Expect Penrith to win comfortably, cover a -13.5 point handicap, and Casey McLean to add to his tryscoring tally.
Jeremy Darke 05 Jun 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Penrith Panthers are on a 6-game win streak and top the ladder.
  • Wests Tigers struggle defensively, conceding over 30 points per game recently.
  • Penrith are backed to cover -13.5 with Casey McLean likely to score.
casey mclean
Casey McLean to score again for the Panthers (Getty Images)

Wests Tigers vs Penrith Panthers Verdict 


Penrith are on a six-game winning streak including a top-of-the-table victory over the Warriors last week. This one should be a bit easier with the Panthers backed to cover a -13.5 point handicap with Casey McLean to continue his tryscoring form.

  • Penrith have won six straight games and are conceding just 14 points per game across that stretch.
  • Wests Tigers have conceded 34.4 points per game across their last five matches.
  • Penrith have conceded an average of 13.66 points per game.
  • Casey McLean scored a double against the Warriors and has become a genuine attacking weapon on Penrith's right edge.

Head to Head


Penrith have dominated this matchup in recent seasons, winning four of the last five meetings between the clubs.

The Panthers recorded a 36-2 demolition in Round 21 last season and also beat the Tigers 18-14 earlier in 2025. 

The lone Tigers victory came in 2023 when they upset Penrith 12-8, but overall the Panthers have controlled the rivalry with 28 wins from 43 meetings since 1998.

Wests Tigers Form - Poor Form Snapped With Win


The Tigers enter Round 14 off an encouraging 22-16 victory over Canterbury that snapped a difficult run of form.

Before that win they had conceded 46 points to Manly, 44 points to Melbourne and 52 points to Cronulla, exposing the defensive issues that have plagued them throughout the season.

There were positive signs against the Bulldogs. Jahream Bula returned from injury and scored immediately, Jeral Skelton crossed for a double and the Tigers completed at an excellent 89%.

The concern is whether that performance can be repeated against the competition's best defensive side. 

Wests have averaged just 19.8 points per game across their last five outings and now face a Panthers side allowing only 13 points per game for the season.

Penrith Panthers Form - Six Straight Wins, Top Of The Ladder


Penrith continue to find ways to win regardless of who is available.

The Panthers have won six straight matches and sit comfortably on top of the ladder with an 11-1 record. Their latest victory came against the Warriors despite resting Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o following State of Origin.

Casey McLean starred with two tries while Dylan Edwards produced a captain's performance, helping Penrith secure a hard-fought 20-18 win.

The return of Cleary, Yeo and To'o only strengthens a side already playing outstanding football. Penrith rank first defensively, concede just 13 points per game and continue to dominate field position through their kicking game and yardage sets.

They remain the team every other premiership contender is chasing.

Verdict

Penrith will win as the favourite covering the -13.5 with the game total staying under 48.5 points as Casey McLean strikes again.

Best Bet1: Penrith -13.5 Handicap/Line @7/9 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 48.5 Game Total @10/11 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Casey McLean Anytime Tryscorer @1/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Casey McLean First Tryscorer @8/1 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Penrith -13.5
Handicap/Line
@7/9 - 3 Units
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
Under 48.5
Game Total
@10/11 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Casey McLean
Anytime Tryscorer
@1/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
Casey McLean
First Tryscorer
@8/1 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

07 Jun 2026

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from Freetips.com