The Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs returned to the winners list last week and both will be eager to notch up a second straight victory when they meet tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm (AEST).
Penrith managed to grind their way to a 12-6 victory over the Raiders last week but will need to improve if they hope to defeat the resurgent Rabbitohs.
South Sydney themselves failed to set the world on fire against the Dragons, but they still managed to post a convincing 26-6 victory over their great rivals last week.
On the back of strong play from their forwards and a lopsided penalty count, South Sydney were never threatened against the Dragons en route to securing a vital win.
The Rabbitohs however should expect a tougher assignment at the foot of the mountains tonight where Penrith are yet to taste defeat in three matches.
The Panthers have already claimed the scalps of Canterbury, Canberra and Newcastle at home and will fancy their chances of beating South Sydney tonight.
One senses however that the Rabbitohs are on the mend. Their performance against the Dragons was a step in the right direction and South Sydney may finally possess the confidence to string back to back wins together.
After flat performances of late, Sam and George Burgess managed to find some much needed form last week and will prove difficult to stop for the Panthers tonight.
Greg Inglis also seems to be getting back to his best after a very strong second half against the Dragons, scoring a try before making a huge linebreak that almost led to another four pointer.
While the Panthers have been highly impressive thus far, the Rabbitohs may have turned the corner following a poor three match losing streak and may once again turn up with enough good form to seal victory.
Rabbitohs by 6.
Alan
Roar Guru
Sorry about that World's Biggest. I mean't to write second win in succession, not second win of the season.
Clark
Guest
Reynolds was poor last night. Panthers really needed to get one or two tries in that first half when they had the chance. Not giving up on Penrith though, they are genuine contenders in my mind.
Muzz
Guest
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/south-sydney-rabbitohs/julie-burgess-accuses-penrith-panthers-fan-of-hitting-son-sam-burgess-with-stick-20140411-zqtsf.html
Jumbo jones
Guest
If only the panthers had taken a field goal each time they were in the Souths 20m zone
Muzz
Guest
Impressive win by the Bunnies in tough conditions.Sutton IMO was best on field doing the work for both 7 and 6. Possessions Sutton - 45 Reynolds - 21 Wallace -55 Soward - 33 All run metres Sutton -78 Reynolds - 6 Wallace - 29 Soward - 23
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Great job Alan, just a correction, that is the Bunnies 3rd win for the season. Second straight. The goal line defence in the first half won is where they won the game.
Alan
Roar Guru
In a tough and scrappy game of footy, the Rabbitohs have emerged 18-2 winners and they have secured their second win of the year. Merritt made history by becoming the leading tryscorer for South Sydney. The Panthers had their chances in the first half but could not penetrate a strong bunnies defence. The Rabbitohs in the second half were just more clinical in possession and took advantage of Penrith errors to post three tries. Rabbitohs building winning momentum now. Thanks for your company tonight and join us tomorrow for more NRL on The Roar
Alan
Roar Guru
Mansour puts possession down and that's all she wrote! FULLTIME Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Forward pass ruled here to Goodwin and the Panthers to get possession. Bunnies though to get the competition points Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Idris knocks on now as he drops a Soward pass. Rabbitohs too good in defence tonight Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Wallace with a grubber and Inglis bats the footy dead again. Panthers with plenty of line drop-outs tonight. Just no points though Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Panthers attack well contained by the bunnies tonight. Soward with a grubber kick but Merritt takes the footy dead. Another drop-out coming up Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Clark
Guest
Panthers really needed more first half points when they had the field position.
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Wallace with a grubber and Inglis gathers possession and is caught on the line. Line drop-out for the Panthers Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Wallace with a chip kick and the Panthers win the penalty here. Time may beat them to the punch Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Panthers with mission impossible now. Bunnies defence very strong tonight. Rabbitohs making metres at will. Reynolds goes high again and Mansour this time gathers possession Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 18
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY RABBITOHS Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 16 Game set and match I think. Rabbitohs too tough tonight. Momentum starting to build for the bunnies this season.
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Merritt with a good offload to Sutton who makes strong yardage. Reynolds goes high and Mansour knocks on! Play on and Inglis finds Turner who scores! video referee Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 12
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Panthers spread possession as Idris finds Mansour now. Ball on the ground. Knock on ruled. Bunnies off the hook again Panthers 2 Rabbitohs 12