Panthers vs Rabbitohs Prediction: Panthers to maul wounded Rabbitohs

Injuries have decimated the South Sydney Rabbitohs this season and things won’t get any easier for Wayne Bennett’s men on Friday morning (11:00, Watch NRL) as they head to CommBank Stadium to face reigning NRL champions the Penrith Panthers.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Panthers vs Rabbitohs prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Sydney.

Team News

Penrith head coach Ivan Cleary has decided to go with a pack of Isaiah Papali’i, Luke Garner, Scott Sorensen, Lindsay Smith, Mitch Kenny and Moses Leota.

In the backs, Brad Schneider, Blaize Talagi, Brian To’o, Casey McLean, Paul Alamoti, Thomas Jenkins and Dylan Edwards all start from the off.

As for the Rabbitohs, with Brandon Smith, Campbell Graham, Davvy Moale and Ryan Gray all on the sidelines, Bennett has gone with a pack of Jai Arrow, Jacob Host, Euan Aitken, Keaon Kolomatangi, Siliva Havili and Tevita Tatola.

In the backs, the visitors start with Jamie Humphreys, Jack Wighton, Tyrone Munro, Tallis Duncan, Isaiah Tass, Alex Johnston and Latrell Mitchell.

Panthers vs Rabbitohs Odds

Penrith are the firm favourites for the win on Friday morning at 3/10, while South Sydney Rabbitohs are 13/5 to claim the victory.

A draw at CommBank Stadium is 22/1, while Penrith to be leading at both the break and the full-time whistle is currently 8/15 in the Double Result market.

Panthers -12 handicap @ 20/21

Winning 12 of their last 15 games against the Rabbitohs, there’s little doubt the Panthers have been the dominant force when it comes to this rivalry in recent years.

As mentioned, injuries have not helped the Rabbitohs’ cause this term and they run the risk of picking up their first wooden spoon since 2006.

Losing all of their last six games, Souths next come up against a Penrith side that are on a five-match winning streak.

With the advantage of home soil another bonus, Penrith to cover the spread gets the nod here.

Under 39.5 total points @ 13/8 

While Penrith have the ability to win this game comfortably and cover the handicap on offer, the Panthers’ strong defence might mean this is not an end-to-end thriller.

The Panthers have been outstanding without the ball in recent weeks, conceding only 58 points in their last five games.

With that in mind, the under on 39.5 total points for Friday’s game in New South Wales catches the eye at 13/8.

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