The second game on Friday night heads out to Penrith for a rematch of the 2021 NRL Grand Final. On that night, the Panthers were victorious but even better for punters, we were spot on at Before You Bet. Let’s keep the momentum rolling into this fixture, albeit, with (somewhat) different players wearing the same colours.
As much as things have changed, the fact remains that the Panthers and Rabbitohs are two capable teams and should be competitive in 2022. There is also a new rivalry building following the antics of the Premiers post-victory. The Panthers remain undefeated and easily accounted for the Knights last week towards the end of their contest.
Perhaps they were aided by their opponents being reduced to 12 men for majority of the contest; regardless, it was an impressive performance. The Rabbitohs have experienced a different start to their campaign, capturing their first win last week against bitter rivals the Roosters. After two questionable performances to start the season, they appear poised to improve further as the week’s role along. This game promises to be a fantastic contest.
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Friday 1st April, BlueBet Stadium, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Squads
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matthew Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Spencer Leniu 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. J’maine Hopgood 16. Lindsay Smith 17. Jaeman Salmon18. Robert Jennings
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Campbell Graham 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tavita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Knight 18. Blake Taaffe
Match Preview
The Panthers were boosted with the naming of Nathan Cleary for this game. This will be his first match this year and first since the 2021 Grand Final. He is only expected to lift his team’s performance by providing further stability in the halves and arguably the best kicking game in the competition. If the Rabbitohs couldn’t defeat them last year, the task this year doesn’t become any easier.They will have Latrell Mitchell this time around, but the loss of Reynolds at halfback removes for the Rabbitohs what Cleary brings to his team. Ilias has had a fair start to the season, but this will be another test altogether.
The game will be won and lost in the forwards first allowing the outside backs to gain an advantage. The Panthers look to have an edge in both areas, most importantly, the defensive strength of their outside backs. As good as the Rabbitohs were through the middle last week, the Panthers can combat this with the same level of intensity, execution, and skill.
This is why the home team are strong favourites. They cannot be overlooked and should win this won by a comfortable margin given their attacking weapons.
Other Bets:
Panthers -6.5 ($2.00 at Ladbrokes)
Izack Tago Anytime Try ($2.80 at Ladbrokes)
Panthers 13+
$2.80 (1.5 Units)
