Can the South Sydney Rabbitohs rise to the occasion this week against the Penrith Panthers and reinforce the statement made from the 26-0 win against the Parramatta Eels?
Thursday night’s clash features several players coming back from injuries. Rabbitohs strike centre Campbell Graham returns from his six-week stint on the sidelines due to a cheekbone fracture, as well as young halfback Lachlan Illias, after being rested last week because of back and hamstring concerns.
Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards also returns from a sternum injury. Despite this, the Panthers lack the star-studded half-combination of Nathan Cleary (suspension) and Jarome Luai (knee).
The Rabbitohs are currently in scintillating form and are a shoo-in for a win against the Panthers if they maintain their current form. The monumental win against the Eels last week made the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker shine off the back of a fast start that put the Eels in a difficult position early in the game.
Of the 17-man squad that took the field for the Rabbitohs against Parramatta, 13 players ran for over 100 metres.
Penrith’s 16-0 loss against the Melbourne Storm was a concerning sign for last year’s premiers. The 12 errors accumulated throughout the match largely contributed to their lacklustre performance. The scoreline, however, did not reflect the Panthers’ constant defensive efforts to shut down Melbourne’s firing attack.
Head to head: Latrell Mitchell vs Dylan Edwards
Both fullbacks are instrumental parts of their team’s winning success. Latrell Mitchell put on a phenomenal display of rugby league last week, making 14 runs for a commendable 211 run metres. His single try assist for Alex Johnston’s second try conveys the versatility of Latrell’s playing capabilities.
The wide-spread pass over the heads of two Parramatta defenders into the hands of Alex was the perfect example of his precision.
While Dylan Edwards did not play last week, his playing abilities are also highly proficient. His Round 21 performance against the Raiders was remarkable: he had a total of 191 run metres and was thoroughly engaged in the game, being exactly where the Panthers needed him for most of the night.
His try in the 54th minute of the game emphasised his continual efforts throughout the contest. His strength and footwork were displayed as his team won the clash against the Raiders 26-6.
Both players must demonstrate their wide range of abilities for their side to win the second grand final rematch of the year at Accor Stadium. A win is paramount for both teams.
However, the Rabbitohs are currently in deadly form, whilst the Panthers, despite coming off a loss, have been in form all season. A fast and intense start from both teams will lay the platform for a clinical game of strike attack and defence.
If the Rabbitohs sustain their superb form, another clinic may threaten the depleted Panthers.
Chris
Guest
Maybe this will shut the mouth of the very arrogant Mitchell?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Wow… great call…
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Got your answer, Rosie
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I didn't say that nor implied it. I'm sorry if what I said came across that way, I wasn't trying to insult Penrith with my comment.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I've supported the team since I was a kid, my dad grew up in Redfern and rugby league was always a part of me, especially the Rabbits. I try not to make comments personal, I'm sure it was just a misreading of what I said. However thank you for understanding.
Excoach
Roar Rookie
I assume your a Souths supporter. A team with a proud history who have won, like my team, a Premiership on average, around every 5 years or so, since entering the completion. You should remind people of that very fact and get them to match it, when they try and obsfuscate and deride your comments.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
That's fair to say for a team to beat Penrith they need to be almost perfect, especially with the versatility of their playing group.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I'm not trying to cause a stir or anything, I'm just trying to cover the thing I love ahaha.
Excoach
Roar Rookie
No need to apologise to me Rosie. Like everyone else, well almost everyone, I understood what you were saying.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I wasn't saying that sorry for the miscommunication.
Excoach
Roar Rookie
Rosie. Just checking. Did you say Souths will be putting in more effort than the Panthers tonight?
JennyFromPenny
Guest
So Souths will be putting in more effort than Panthers tonight ? That's a fair insult to a team you've hardly beaten in years.
Pete
Guest
Really looking forward to tonight's game. South's deserve to be favourites but I tend to lean towards tipping Penrith as long as Edwards and May are actually playing. Outside of that 13 minute period where Melbourne scored 3 tries, Penrith dominated field position for most of the game. I can't imagine their attack will be as poor as it was last week. Penrith 1-12 at $3.80 looks like decent value.
Albo
Roar Rookie
If a full and in form Souths team can't beat the Panthers tonight without their 3 best players in Fish, Cleary & Luai, they won't be beating them again this year.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I most certainly agree with that. Whoever puts in the most effort for the full 80 tonight will win the clash.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Can in form Souths beat Penrith? I think they can but it will take a lot of effort to do it. Penrith showed last week against Melbourne they can be beaten . Some have said they were missing their top guns but so too did Melbourne. The loss of the two halves is telling. Those lads are two of the best but for me the biggest loss is JFH. That bloke is like a rock in the Penrith team, both in attack and defence making the middle his place. With Mitchell firing and Walker off the back of that Souths are building nicely. The battle between the two No13s will be a highlight, those two being about the best in their positions. As for who I hope wins, it's Souths.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Dylan Edwards is a huge in, swayed me back to Penrith.
Mon
Guest
Who is ‘needing constant affirmation’ here Jenny?
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
That's understandable. Tonight will determine whether that's right or not, hopefully, the Rabbitohs can win.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
Not out of the picture!