Round 8 action kicks off on Thursday night with the second meeting this year between the Rabbitohs and Panthers. Always a blockbuster affair, each team will be out to assert their dominance over a potential opponent in the Finals later this year. The NRL action has been exciting in 2023 to say the least and Before You Bet will have you covered in all games this weekend, right through until the fixtures on Tuesday as well.
NRL Round 8 Preview & Betting Tips
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers
Thursday 20th April, Accor Stadium, 7:50pm (AEST)
The Rabbitohs came up against a tricky opponent in the Dolphins last week, and they found themselves trailing 14-6 at HT. Appearing in control and void of quality attacking position, the Rabbitohs demonstrated patience (refer to the NRL Power Rankings for the importance of this); once momentum swung in their favour, they were difficult to stop. They scored 5 second half tries, with their defence improving to keep their opponents scoreless. Most noticeably, they amended their ball control (compared to previous matches). They completed at 83%, dominating every area in attack (7 line breaks and 594 post-contact metres were highlights) and missing just 27 tackles.
The Panthers had a far more difficult time in their match against the Knights, narrowly prevailing 15-14 in Golden Point. Scoring 2 tries compared to the Knights 3, the Panthers were made to work for the 2 competition points. Their defence was strong in the second half, as they too kept their opponents scoreless. Statistically, they should’ve dominated the contest. They had a greater share of possession (57%), had a superior completion rate (73% vs 67%) and controlled every area in attack. Perhaps it was a heavy week in training to get them ready for this match. Importantly, they prevailed with the 2 competition points and will be ready for what the Rabbitohs throw at them.
These two sides have already met this season. Back in Round 2, the Panthers prevailed 16-10; this margin suggests a close game, but the Rabbitohs were kept scoreless until the 66th minute and a 78th minute try only flattered them on the score board. The Panthers were in complete control in that contest. It is no surprise that the Panthers have also won the past 5 meetings between these two teams, 3 of which have been decided by 6 points or less.
The odds ($2.50 vs $1.53) suggest that the Panthers are poised to continue their winning streak; it has also been just short of 6 years since the Rabbitohs have defeated the Panthers at Homebush (Round 17, 2017). The loss of Koloamatangi on the right edge is huge for the outcome of this contest. His contribution on both sides of the ball will be missed. That isn’t to suggest the Rabbitohs cannot win this game. They are arguably in a better position than when these two sides met earlier in the year. The game last week would’ve also taken a fair bit out of the Panthers. They know that if they start well, they can set up victory. The Rabbitohs have been poor in this area in 2023 but have shown signs in the past two weeks that they are beginning to improve. The maturity they demonstrated last week must count for something. It will be far closer than the odds are suggesting and brings the line into calculation. Rather than back the home side straight out, this appears to be the safer way to go.
Same Game Multi
Rabbitohs +8.5, Total Points Under 48.5, Either Team by less than 10 points & Johnston to score @ $5.50 – 0.5 units
Rabbitohs +5.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
