Panthers v Rabbitohs preview

Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Pepper Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

Can the Panthers make a run for the top eight or will the Rabbitohs prove too strong.

After producing their most clinical performance of the season, Penrith return to Pepper Stadium full of confidence after running riot over Wests Tigers last Sunday. Coach Ivan Cleary has opted to retain the same 18-man squad as last week, with former Melbourne premiership winner Sika Manu once again relegated to 18th man in favour of youngsters Bryce Cartwright and Isaah Yeo. The Panthers have struggled in recent seasons against South Sydney, going down in the past four meetings, including an 18-2 Friday night loss early last season. With the Panthers sitting just outside the top eight in 10th position, a win is of the upmost importance if they are to keep in touch with the competition heavyweights.

Having outlasted Manly last Friday night, the Rabbitohs will be looking to make amends for their disappointing performance against Wests Tigers during their last Origin affected match. With Greg Inglis once again selected for the Maroons, Alex Johnston moves to fullback with the experienced Joel Reddy preferred on the wing over youngster John Olive. With Glenn Stewart making a successful return from injury against his former club last week, the former Sea Eagles will join up with John Sutton and Chris McQueen to form the Rabbitohs most potent second row. Former Panther Tim Grant will also be keen for a big performance coming up against his former club, having started out as a Penrith junior, the New South Wales representative will have a point to prove after being let go due to salary cap constraints.

Last Meeting: Round 6, 2014 - Penrith Panthers 2 South Sydney Rabbitohs 18

Who to watch: After coming in as a replacement for the suspended Issac Luke in last year's Grand Final, Apisai Koroisau will be out to impress for the Panthers in the absence of James Segeyaro. While the Fijian hooker does possess a creative spark capable of producing moments of magic, the most impressive aspect of his game this season has been his defence; averaging close to 40 tackles a game, Koroisau will need to be at his best in both attack and defence if the Panthers are to come away with the two points.

After starting the season as the most devastating centre in the NRL, Dylan Walker has slowly been working his way back to the form that saw him represent the Kangaroos last year. Lining up against youngster Waqa Blake, Walker will be keen to get as much early ball as possible in order to use his speed and footwork to create attacking chances for the Rabbitohs. Having crossed for a mere two tries since making his comeback from injury, Walker will be out to add to his early season tally to get South Sydney over the line.

The favourite: Despite the absence of Greg Inglis, South Sydney are expected to prove too strong for Penrith.

My tip: While the Panthers produced scintillating attack last week, expect the Rabbitohs to provide a much fiercer prospect. Rabbitohs by 10.

1. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. David Simmons 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Regan Campbell-Gillard 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nigel Plum 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Sam McKendry 17. Tyrone Peachey 23. Sika Manu

1. Alex Johnston 2. Joel Reddy 3. Dylan Walker 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Aaron Gray 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. Tim Grant 11. Glenn Stewart 12. John Sutton 13. Chris McQueen
Interchange: 14. Ben Lowe 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. David Tyrrell 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Jason Clark 19. Cameron McInnes 20. Daryl Millard

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Adam Reid, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Ben Galea;

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