Minichiello ready for Panthers challenge

Sydney Roosters star Anthony Minichiello says his team mates are confident ahead of the clash against Penrith on Sunday.

The Roosters go into the encounter off the back of a 25-6 win over Brisbane but Minichiello is mindful of the heroics that the Panthers displayed in their 35-30 win over Newcastle.

“They were good in the second half,” Minichiello said of their 28 point second half display.

“The first half was pretty scrappy but the way they turned it around was impressive. They never gave up hope and put on the points pretty quickly.

“We’ll be conscious of what they did but if we keep playing the way we have been I’m confident we can come away with the win.”

And the 29-year-old thinks that the partnership that he has formed with off season-recruit Phil Graham is blossoming.

Minichiello, who has taken up a spot on the win with the arrival of Todd Carney, is full of praise for the Graham with whom he has nothed four tries in as many matches.

“Phil has been great for us this season,” Minichiello said.

“He got concussed in our first home game against the Tigers but still managed to score two tries and send me over for one. He backed that up to send me over again on Friday night.

“His defence has been something too. (Brian Smith) Smithy has praised him a bit but being out there next to him is the best seat in the house, he hits hard for a back,” he said.