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Penrith Panthers
32
Match Complete
South Sydney Rabbitohs
12
| N. Cleary |  | 79 | ||
| N. Cleary |  | 77 | ||
| N. Cleary |  | 64 | ||
| N. Cleary | | 55 | ||
| I. Tago | | 54 | ||
| N. Cleary | | 45 | ||
| S. Leniu | | 44 | ||
| N. Cleary | | 40 | ||
| B. To'o | | 39 | ||
| N. Cleary | | 36 | ||
| A. Koroisau | | 35 | ||
| 19 | | L. Mitchell | ||
| 18 | | R. Kennar | ||
| 12 | | L. Mitchell | ||
| 11 | | C. Walker |
| 5 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The second NRL grand finalist gets decided tonight when the Penrith Panthers host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
Well, the stakes don’t get much higher than this, with last year’s grand finalists playing off for the remaining spot in the grand final. Their seasons have been vastly different in terms of their road to the top eight, but they now find themselves one game away from the big one.
There were a few questions raised when the Panthers rested the bulk of their first grade team in the last game of the regular season, but it worked wonders.
Despite falling behind the Eels at the start of the second half in the first week of finals, the Panthers ran out comfortable 27-8 winners. Nathan Cleary gave Waqa Blake nightmares and he gave no signs of being out for an extended period. His grubber for Dylan Edwards was pure class.
There is one change for the Panthers, with Taylan May serving a one-week ban for high tackle on Will Penisini. Charlie Staines comes in.
After a brutal battle against the Roosters, the Rabbitohs shrugged off a disappointing Sharks outfit last weekend. The 38-12 scoreline was probably a fair reflection, with the Cronulla middle unable to contain Souths’ ruck speed.
Much is made of the Rabbits State of Origin stars, but their lesser lights are standing up too. Campbell Graham had a wow of a game against the Sharks and the front row pairing of Tevita Tatola and Mark Nicholls dominated.
The Rabbitohs have some injury concerns, with Siliva Havili ruled out with a calf injury. His place on the bench is taken by Jed Cartwright. Alex Johnston and Jai Arrow have been named but will need to pass fitness tests pre-game. Thomas Burgess remains unavailable through suspension.
Prediction
The Rabbitohs have won their semi finals against the Roosters and Sharks in relatively easy fashion. In both games, their underrated pack created enough ruck speed for the likes of Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell to succeed.
However, that won’t happen against the Panthers – they are too professional an outfit.
Nathan Cleary’s kicking game will be key and that will be enough to secure a grand final berth.
Panthers by 8.
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
TV/Stream: Nine, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Panthers $1.37; Rabbitohs $3.10 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray
Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Jed Cartwright
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