Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 9 clash between the Rabbitohs and Panthers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Penrith Panthers
Venue: Accor Stadium
Date: Thursday May 2, 19:50
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray, 2. Jacob Gagai, 3. Jack Wighton, 4. Isaiah Tass, 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Dean Hawkins, 8. Keaon Koloamatangi, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Davvy Moale, 11. Michael Chee Kam, 12. Jacob Host, 13. Cameron Murray, 14. Peter Mamouzelos, 15. Siliva Havili, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Jai Arrow, 18. Tallis Duncan, 19. Sean Keppie, 20. Liam Le Blanc, 21. Dion Teaupa, 22. Adam Christensen
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Taylan May, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Daine Laurie, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Matt Eisenhuth, 17. Mavrik Geyer, 18. Jack Cole, 19. Paul Alamoti, 20. Brad Schneider, 21. Preston Riki, 22. Tyrone Peachey
Referee: Adam Gee
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
Izaac Tu’itupou has been recalled on the wing for the Rabbitohs in place of the suspended Taane Milne. Davvy Moale has been promoted to the starting front row, with Tom Burgess shifting back to the bench. Keaon Koloamatangi has been named to start at prop once again, with Michael Chee Kam retaining his place in the second row.
For the Panthers, Sunia Turuva returns on the wing after being given the week off in Round 8, with Paul Alamoti dropping out of the 17. Moses Leota returns in the front row with Lindsay Smith moving back to the bench, while Liam Henry has been ruled out.
The Rabbitohs are in crisis mode after another heavy defeat, this time a 54-20 drubbing at the hands of the Storm. Coach Jason Demetriou’s future still remains up in the air as we approach this clash.
The Panthers walked away with a gritty 26-20 win over the Cowboys in Townsville last week and will be feeling confident for a third straight win on Thursday night. Nathan Cleary showed some rust in his return from a hamstring injury, but another week back could spell danger for the Bunnies.
Young fullback Jye Gray has emerged as a potential star for South Sydney, showing plenty in attack, but it’s the Rabbitohs defence that is the problem. They are conceding a whopping 36 points per game so far this season, good enough for just one win and bottom spot on the ladder. Their points difference of -136 is 49 below the next worst in the Titans.
The Panthers have yet to find their best form in attack so far this year, but their defence remains one of the stingiest in the competition. The Cowboys dominated possession and territory for much of that round 8 clash, but the Panthers were able to withstand plenty of pressure. Brian To’o enjoyed a stellar performance in his 100th game, scoring a try and running for 227 metres with a massive 21 tackle breaks.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 9 Number Crunch.
Related: Jason Demetriou Sacking By the Numbers
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions for round 9 here.
Panthers by 26 points.
Follow Nothing But Rugby League on Facebook
