NRL Round 17 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers Preview

The Sunday "match-of-the-day" is a clash that has two teams with a lot of potential, but very different seasons thus far. Whilst the Rabbitohs has their fans daring to dream of their team featuring in September, the Panthers have definitely struggled and been dragged through a host of controversies this season. All have been off the field (but with talk about who will take part on it) but apparently this is a "rebuilding" phase for the Panthers. Their season is all but gone for 2012 so perhaps the Panthers should refocus their thoughts now towards 2013. In the meantime they can hold hope of perhaps disrupting the top 8 and steal a vital two points of teams who need it most. OH, and also they can focus on not winning the wooden spoon! Souths on the other hand, will want these two points. They don't have any more byes so it is a packed schedule for them on their run home. They don't exactly have the hardest schedule ahead but they still need to learn to play for the entire 80 minutes (See Round 17 Power Rankings). If they don't, they will not last long at the business end of the season. It is pleasing for Rabbitohs fans to note that they still have a host of stars to return from injury.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Because the QLD side have named just about 50% of the people of QLD, it is suggested that if Dave Taylor isn't required for SOO on Wednesday, he may be released to play for the Rabbitohs in this clash. Stay tuned for that one! There is talk that he will be dropped but QLD's loss is the Rabbitohs gain. If he is dropped, he should be out to play the game of his life and show Mal Meniga what he will be missing in Wednesday match. His form has definitely come under scrutiny in recent weeks and now is his chance to be a leader of the Rabbitohs pack. Minus Taylor and Inglis, there is a number of changes for this weeks lineup. Nathan Merritt moves to fullback and Shaune Corrigan comes into the centres and Andrew Everingham pushes back out to the wing. Ben Lowe comes into the starting team  from the bench for Taylor and George Burgess takes a spot on the bench. Merritt was once touted as the man to replace Wesser for the 2012 season at the back, but after Inglis was shifted there he finds himself out on the wing on a regular basis. He is no Inglis, but they certainly do not miss much having him at the back for them.

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers were very hard done by last week in their golden point loss to the Eels. They were unlucky not to get a penalty when a player was held up and then there was a play-the-ball from Hayne in the lead up to the winning field goal that could've been pulled up. But in saying that, they had 80 minutes to win the match and put away the Eels. They lead 18-6 with 22 minutes remaining and should not have allowed Parramatta back into the game. This week there is a slightly different team that will take the field. Luke Lewis, Tim Grant and Micheal Jennings are away on SOO duty. Brad Tighe comes into the centres, while Ryan Simpkins will start at lock and Nigel Plum will start up front. Tighe was the player that replaced Jennings when he was dropped to NSW Cup. Josh Mansour (was named last week but did not play) is not named this week and David Simmons (who was the late inclusion for Mansour) is on the wing. Luke Walsh has succumbed to a shoulder injury and the he is replaced by Blake Austin in the halves, with Austin playing at 5/8 and Harry Siejka (last weeks 5/8) named at half. Coming onto the bench to fill the vacant spots are Arana Taumata, Matt Robinson, Danny Galea and Mitch Achurch. It is quite a young havles combination for the Panthers so Souths should look to pressure this area of their attack (and defence).

Recent History

Overall = Rabbitohs 39 - Draw 1 - Panthers 32

Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 2 - Panthers 3

At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 4 - Panthers 0

Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.20 Panthers $4.75
Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.22 Panthers $4.50
Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.20 Panthers $4.80

Verdict

It would take a very brave person to back the Panthers in this game. Yes, the Rabbitohs are missing a few players to SOO duty and injury, but they should still be too strong for the Panthers here. This is a game that they must win to let the rest of the competition know that they are a force to be reckoned with this season. They will be boosted by the late inclusion of Dave Taylor and I am also told that Sam Burgess is some chance of playing also. That would be great news for Rabbitohs fans. In saying that, Penrith will put in a more spirited effort then they did last week. Coach Cleary is safe for now, but their fans will continue to become frustrated if their team is not performing.

Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs @ $1.22 (with Centrebet)


Try scoring bet = Dave Taylor 1st and/or Last @ $17 - He has been sent back from the QLD camp and spoke about how he has a point to prove. He is definitely a ball hog close to the line and will want to make up for being dropped.


Winning Margin = Rabbitohs 13-18 @ $4.50 - The Rabbits are very short in this game 19+, but they have the unfortunate habit of not playing for the entire 80 minutes. No doubt, this clash could be the same and Penrith could score some late points. They should win 19+, but this seems more realistic. 


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips