• Neds
  • BetChamps
  • TradieBet
  • BoomBet
  • BlueBet
  • Picklebet

2022 NRL Preliminary Final: Panthers vs Rabbitohs Preview & Betting Tips

September 23rd 2022, 5:01pm, By: Scooby

NRL Betting Tips

Saturday night NRL action will descend on Homebush with the preliminary final featuring the Panthers and Rabbitohs. After a great day of sporting action where the tipsters at Before You Bet will find a winner, this NRL Betting preview will aim to finish off the day on the right note. Get ready, this game promises to be an epic with the two 2021 Grand Finalist fighting it out again, with a spot in the 2022 Grand Final on the line.

Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Betting Tips

Accor Stadium, Saturday 24th September, 7:50pm (AEST)

The Panthers earned a week off and the right to home ground advantage with an impressive 27-8 victory over the Eels at home. With the game evenly poised 8-7 after 46 minutes, the Panthers clicked into another gear with 30 minutes remaining; some instances involving injuries to their opponents may have contributed to this outcome, but you cannot knock the way the Panthers executed. As tight as the contest was up until that point, there was always a genuine sense that the Panthers were in control. They were superior statistically too; with 51% possession, they completed at 83%, ran for over 400m more than their opponents, missed fewer tackles and committed fewer errors. Considering they probably have a few levels to raise yet, it was a scary indication of what they’re capable of.

The Rabbitohs won their way through to this game courtesy of a 38-12 win over the Sharks. Many thought that the 2nd place team would have little issue with a 7th placed opponent but that was not the case. The Rabbitohs dominated that match from the outset, scoring after just 2 minutes of play. The Sharks failed to find the necessary level of aggression that would take the game to their opponents; the Rabbitohs dictated the terms of the contest from start to finish. Their downfall all year has been their completion rate and it wasn’t better here; it was just superior to their opponents (63% vs 68%). Where they did dominate were line breaks (7), total metres (361m more than the Sharks) and missed tackles (just 27). Assuming they can control the ball well, they are going to be well placed to push the Panthers, like they did twice last year in the Finals.

Squads

Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Sean O’Sullivan

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Kolomatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Davvy Moale

Match Prediction

The Panthers are overwhelming favourites for this game ($1.38 vs $3.10) and rightly so given the errors the Rabbitohs can provide in a game. In previous weeks where their opponents have been unable to capitalise in this area. The Panthers have execution that can turn mistake into points or, at the very least, build more pressure and fatigue in an opponent. If the Rabbitohs can control this area of the match, they are in with a chance. The week off will serve the Panthers well compared to their opponents; back-to-back intense weeks at training culminating in physical Finals matches is sure to take its toll. The fact that they’ve been impressive both times in scoring 30+ points against the 3rd and 5th ranked defensive units over the regular season counts for something. They’re a dangerous team with momentum and will want to take the game to the Panthers; physically, the Panthers will relish the challenge. Their pack of forwards has an edge on the Rabbitohs, who will miss Burgess’ contribution in the middle. With this game expected to be wet, the line (8.5) is tempting to take on. As strong as their attack has been all year, the Panthers defence is to be admired. It has won them plenty of tight matches as they give few opportunities away. They appear tougher than last year and without a consistent and accurate completion to the end of attacking sets for the Rabbitohs, the Panthers should cover the line and qualify for their 3rd consecutive Grand Final.

Prop Bets:

Panthers 13+ $2.35 = 1.5 units

Total points under 39.5/Panthers -9.5 @ $3.80 – 1 unit

Crichton & Kikau to score @ $6.50 – 1 unit

Panthers -8.5

$1.90 (2.5 Units)

 

Scooby is our NRL guru with over ten years experience writing about rugby league with Before You Bet and previously at The Profits. His background is in playing and coaching but he's enjoyed the switch to share his knowledge through his articles, as well as sharing his thoughts on Twitter.

Scooby's strength is assessing the overall team - what they offer across the field in a match and how the ethos of a club contributes to their success. Momentum also has a major impact on sports, and Scooby likes to explore this, while underpinning his judgement against a solid basis of statistical analysis. When combined with the aforementioned points, it combines for a holistic approach towards betting on rugby league.

Other sports he enjoys include Cricket, Horse Racing and NFL. There is a reason why Scooby ‘clicked’ with BYB from Day 1 - he loves his sport as much as we do.

Horse Racing Tips

View More

Our team of expert horse racing analysts bring you regular horse racing tips from major horse racing meetings in Australia and internationally. The highlight of the Australian horse racing calendar is the Spring Carnival, featuring the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and, of course, the Melbourne Cup, and we'll be there riding every winner home with you with our free racing tips and best bets. Giddy up!

NFL Tips

View More

NFL tips and best bets for the 2024-25 NFL season. Arguably America's most popular sport, the National Football League is gaining popularity in Australia with all marquee games plus the 'Red Zone' coverage on ESPN Australia. We have you covered with regular NFL betting tips of all of the key matchups of the week.

NBA Tips

View More

NBA betting is very popular in Australia and we have free NBA betting tips all season long with our best NBA tips for the biggest games every week, along with coverage of the NBA Finals.

NBL Tips

View More

The NBL is the largest basketball competition in Australia with a rich history of developing the country's best basketball talent. The NBL has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years and we'll have NBL tips and betting previews for every match of every round for you right here.