Panthers v Rabbitohs preview

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Sydney rivals face off in pursuit of common goal.

Producing a memorable comeback to down the Sea Eagles a fortnight ago, Penrith return to the foot of the mountains with the intention of enhancing their finals aspirations at the expense of South Sydney. In their first home Friday night game since the corresponding fixture last season, coach Anthony Griffin will have his sights set on ensuring the Panthers lay a defensive platform early to avoid overcoming a large deficit once again. Retaining the same squad that emerged from Brookvale Oval with two points, expect Will Smith to come into the squad should either captain Matt Moylan or Josh Mansour fail to escape Wednesday's Origin fixture unscathed. In what shapes as a milestone for former captain Peter Wallace, the halfback-come-hooker will play his 200th NRL game after debuting for the club in 2005.

With their finals hopes hanging by a thread, the Rabbitohs head into Friday night's fixture in dire need of two points in order to keep in touch with their top eight rivals. Managing just three wins from their past 12 matches, coach Michael Maguire has thrown caution to the wind by naming a new-look backline headlined by Greg Inglis in the centres, as well as debutant Tautalatasi Tasi on the wing. Likewise interchange forwards Jack Gosweiski and Patrice Siolo earn first grade reprieves after strong showings for North Sydney in reserve grade. Having dominated recent fixtures against Penrith with five wins from six clashes, Souths will be looking to replicate their performance against Parramatta earlier in the season to allay concerns and keep their strong record under Michael Maguire in tact.

Last meeting: Round 21 2015 - Rabbitohs 20 Panthers 16

Who to watch: Having made his first grade debut against the Rabbitohs late last season, Panthers forward Leilani Latu has made the most of his opportunities under coach Anthony Griffin. Boasting a hard-edged running style and an ability to pass the ball under pressure, the 23-year-old City Origin representative will be crucial to Penrith's chances of extending South Sydney's losing run. On-contract with the Panthers until the end of 2017, Latu will out to help his side keep in touch with the competition leaders as the fight for top eight positions heats up. 

Making a return from injury ahead of schedule last week, former captain John Sutton will mark another milestone on Friday night. Set to play his 250th game for South Sydney, the veteran utility will be out to mark the occasion with a much needed win for the struggling Rabbitohs. With the side sorely missing his ability with the ball over the past four months, Sutton's return may inject much needed energy into Michael Maguire's side as they battle to remain in touch with their rivals.

The favourite: Coming off the back of a bye, the Panthers are fancied to come away with the two points.

My tip: While neither side has been at their best so far this season, the defensive steel of the Panthers should give the home side the win. Panthers by 6.

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Trent Merrin 13. Suaia Matagi
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 20. James Fisher-Harris 18. James Fisher-Harris

1. Cody Walker 2. Alex Johnston 3. Greg Inglis 4. Aaron Gray 20. Joe Burgess 6. Luke Keary 19. Ed Murphy 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Nathan Brown 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 5. Tautalatasi Tasi 14. Jason Clark 15. Patrice Siolo 17. David Tyrrell 18. David Tyrrell 21. Ed Murphy

Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Jared Maxwell