As the Rabbitohs inch closer to rock bottom, they get the chance to exact some revenge from their 2021 Grand Final loss to the Panthers, as they take on a Panthers side more vulnerable than we have seen in a half decade. Can the Panthers bounce back with a much-needed confidence boost over the rubbish Rabbitohs, or do we move one step closer to a new era in the NRL?
Below, we will dissect the matchup, supply our Best Bet, and suggest a Same Game Multi. Be sure to keep up to date with all the NRL fixtures, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
NRL Round 26 Preview & Betting Tips
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
BlueBet Stadium, Friday 30th August, 8:00pm (AEST)
The Panthers lost a tight battle with the Raiders last weekend in our Nation’s Capital, going down 22-18. It was a worrying 80 minutes for Head Coach Ivan Cleary and Panthers’ fans alike, as the team appeared bereft of ideas in attack without Nathan Cleary, whilst their 9 errors with the football was very un-Panther like. Even more worryingly for the Panthers, fullback Dylan Edwards doesn’t look fit, and if he isn’t firing on all cylinders heading into the finals’ series, the Panthers are next to no chance in lifting a fourth straight Premiership trophy. Isaah Yeo was his usual self, despite the loss, running for 166 metres, making 40 tackles, scoring a try, popping four offloads and breaking the line once.
As for the Rabbitohs, their horrible end to the season continued last weekend, as they lost their fifth straight game, going down 36-16 to the Knights at home. The Bunnies led early, going up 12-6 after 20 minutes, however conceded four unanswered tries in the middle third of the game, consigning them to a bottom three finish for the season. They missed 48 tackles, made 13 errors, whilst giving away 8 penalties and losing Cam Murray to the sinbin (and ultimately suspension). One gets the feeling the Rabbitohs will be happy to see the final whistle next weekend, and this season from hell being over.
Match Preview
These teams have played some huge games over the past few seasons, but this one has meaning only for the Panthers, who are desperate to get back into some sort of form. The last time these sides met was Round 9 this season, with the Bunnies shooting out of the gate to lead 12-0. The Panthers quickly turned things around though, running in three straight tries to lead 18-12 at the half. It was all Penrith in the second half, scoring four tries to zero and winning 42-12 as 13.5-point favourites. The total closed 43.5, with the Panthers just about covering it themselves. Of interest, there was no Latrell Mitchell or Nathan Cleary in this Round 9 game, as will be the case on Friday evening.
Speaking of Friday evening, the Panthers opened 15.5-point home favourites for the clash, before pushing out to 16.5-point favourites on Monday morning. This is exactly where the number stands currently, however I would not at all be surprised to see this slowly creep up tomorrow afternoon. I make the Panthers 16-point favourites, however at these big spreads there are cases of diminishing returns for teams like the Panthers to win by three converted tries. I don’t believe the Panthers are playing well enough right now to be essentially three converted try favourites over anyone and see some value in the Bunnies here.
As for the total, it opened 48.5 and that is exactly where it remains for now. Over the course of the season, this total seems high, but with the Panthers’ defence struggling mightily of late (conceded 20+ in three straight games), I’m a little apprehensive in betting a Panthers under. Besides, there’s every chance the Panthers put on 30+ themselves, which pushes the over chances way up.
I’ll take the Rabbitohs to keep this inside three converted tries. As above, I would not be surprised to see this spread close in on 18.5 by kick-off, so waiting as long as possible could prove very valuable, but for now I’ll take the +17.5 on offer.
Rabbitohs +17.5
$1.95 (2 units)
Same Game Multi
S Turuva (1+ try) – Turuva gets a recall this week for the Panthers, and with him now out on the right-hand side attacking the weaker Rabbitohs left edge, expect a try for Tito this weekend.
B To’o (1+ try) – To’o has been a little below average the past couple of weeks, but I expect a strong showing from him here.
J Wighton (1+ try) – With no Latrell Mitchell, it’s up to Wighton to create opportunities close to the opponent’s line. Wighton has a nose for the try line, and attacking the weak right edge of the Panthers should see Wighton with a great chance here this weekend..
SGM Odds: $12.30 at Ladbrokes
