Panthers vs Rabbitohs Prediction & NRL Betting Preview

For once, the Penrith Panthers head into Friday’s NRL Premiership clash at CommBank Stadium with the South Sydney Rabbitohs (8pm local, 11am BST, Sky Sports Action) needing to arrest a dip in form.

The league leaders have lost their last two, so a victory is required to maintain their four-point advantage at the top. My Panthers vs Rabbitohs predictions follow below, along with Betfred’s match odds and the latest team news.

Panthers vs Rabbitohs Betting Tips

Panthers by 1-12 @ 2/1
Price Boost: Panthers HT/FT & Dylan Edwards To Score A Try @ 3/1 7/2

*odds correct at time of publishing

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Panthers vs Rabbitohs Odds

I would imagine this one has been a difficult job for the traders, with the Panthers having the better season so far but the Rabbitohs arriving at CommBank in the more convincing form in recent weeks.

Penrith are favourites though, with Betfred offering 8/15 about a home win. The Bunnies are 13/8, with the draw a 16/1 bet.

There are a few Price Boosts available through Betfred, including a 10/3 pick for both Brian To’o and Edward Kosi to score at any time. That was 11/4.

Team News

There are three major names missing for the Panthers due to Origin duty, with Blues trio Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin all preparing for Game III.

Isaiah Papali’i sits out due to concussion protocols, with Luke Garner stepping up the start in the second row. Jack Cogger, Lindsay Smith and Scott Sorensen take the spots of the New South Wales absentees.

Rugby League Odds

Wayne Bennett is without Alex Johnston thanks to a calf injury, while Cam Murray is away for Wednesday’s Origin decider.

In comes Dayne Jennings on the wing, while Lachlan Hubner starts at loose forward.

Jack Wighton is back following a long-term arm issue, so Tallis Duncan moves from centre to the back row, with Euan Aitken switching to the interchange bench. Matt Dufty is also among the six substitute options.

Panthers by 1-12 @ 2/1

This should be an intriguing clash, with the absence of Penrith’s rep players giving the Rabbitohs more of a look-in.

That said, Ivan Cleary’s side are a class act regardless of the losses of Cleary, Yeo and Martin, and while the Bunnies are in form I still fancy the Panthers for a narrow win.

Price Boost: Panthers HT/FT & Dylan Edwards To Score A Try @ 3/1 7/2

This Price Boost from Betfred has great appeal.

Dylan Edwards has nine tries in 15 appearances so far this season, and the Panthers have led at half-time in all 12 of their NRL wins in 2026.

So the 7/2 about them claiming both ends of the Double Result and Edwards making it onto the scoresheet seems generous. I’d have even fancied the 3/1 pre-Price Boost.

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New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs Apply.