Round 7: Panthers v Rabbitohs preview
Panthers and Souths clash to open Round 3 in impromptu circumstances.
Round 7 will begin on Thursday night with the Panthers and Rabbitohs doing battle at the neutral territory of Kogarah Oval amid concerns over the viability of the turf at Campbelltown Sports Ground. Both sides are coming off impressive victories last Friday night and will be looking for victories in the hope of starting a mid-season run.
Penrith were able to clinch a victory against the Storm for just the third time in 21 clashes between the sides, a strike rate extremely low for any matchup in the NRL. Nathan Cleary bounced back after a quiet showing against Parramatta the week before and iced the match in the 76th minute with a field goal, pushing the lead out to beyond a converted try with not long to go and solidifying his sides position in the top 4.
The Rabbitohs notched up their second win in a row against below par opposition, easily disposing of the Warriors after a fairly even start to the match. The class and experience of their spine, in particular the returning Cody Walker, saw them have the match sealed at half time and take a much-needed step to securing a position in the top 8. Their clash with the Panthers will give us an insight into whether their recent performances were that of flat track bullies or actual contenders.
Ivan Cleary has kept his team 1-17 from the individuals that defeated the Storm, with Matt Burton retaining his interchange position despite not getting on the paddock at all last start. Wayne Bennett has made just the one change, with James Roberts making his return albeit via the interchange. He comes in at the expense of Tom Amone.
Both of Souths' wins since the resumption of the competition have come against teams predicted to finish in the bottom 4. By strolling to victories against the Titans and Warriors they've proven that they are not a part of the dreaded bottom half of the competition that seems to be forming, however if they are to be taken seriously they will need to show that they can compete with quality opposition, which Penrith have shown themselves to be after a tight loss against the Eels and wins over the Storm and Roosters in 2020.
Last meeting: Round 14 2019 - Rabbitohs 18 Panthers 19
Who to watch: Returning Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards may just be the extra step needed to transform the Panthers attack. Caleb Aekins was a solid fill in, but Edwards provides them with some much-needed spark particularly in the attacking 20, finishing with a try assist, line break assist and 157 running metres against a strong Melbourne outfit. His combination with fellow spine players Cleary and Koroisau can only improve, and the game against Souths on Thursday night would be a decent starting point.
Origin hooker Damien Cook was back to his brilliant best against the Warriors after being a little quieter than expected given the speed of the ruck since play resumed on May 28. His forwards were able to provide him with quick play the balls and it showed with Cook returning his best stats in a while, finishing with 162 running metres, a try assist, line break assist and a try of his own. He will need to match it with his opposite number Koroisau on Thursday, who is just as critical to his side's performance.
The favourite: The Panthers are slight favourites to get the win on Thursday.
My tip: The Rabbitohs have taken a step forward recently and shown that they still have the attack necessary to match it with top sides, however previously they have crumbled when faced with them. That will need to change on Thursday, however I think the Panthers forward pack will dominate and provide the perfect platform for Nathan Cleary and Api Koroisau to work their magic. Panthers by 16.
