Round 4: Panthers v Rabbitohs preview
Souths look for revenge in Grand Final Rematch
The Penrith Panthers will look to continue their recent strong record against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Grand Final rematch at BlueBet Stadium. It'll be the first time since last year's grand final that the two sides go head to head as Penrith look to continue their undefeated start to the new season, while the visitors will look to build off their upset win last weekend.
Penrith come into this clash after a last start 38-20 win over a Newcastle side that was playing with 12 men for 45 minutes. Coach Ivan Cleary was disappointed with his side's intensity once Newcastle was down a man and will be looking for a consistent 80-minute effort against a high-quality Souths side that can strike at any time.
Penrith's strengths are South Sydney's weaknesses. Penrith's left edge of Kikau, Luai, Tago and May are slowly settling in and making their mark as one of the dominant edges in rugby league. Souths were vulnerable at times in their edge defence this season and with the skills that Jarome Luai has to offer, it could be a long night for the South's defence.
The defending premiers get a timely boost for this clash with halfback, captain and prodigal son Nathan Cleary returning to the line-up after missing the opening rounds of the season with Sean O'Sullivan making way. Elsewhere, Scott Sorenson covers for Chris Smith who is in concussion protocols after his nasty collision with Mitch Barnett with Lindsay Smith joining the bench. Liam Martin and James Fisher-Harris are both named in the reserves and could be late inclusions.
South Sydney marched their way back in form with a convincing 28-16 over their archrivals the Sydney Roosters. Souths finally displayed the form that had many pundits tipping a top 8 finish. Cameron Murray was once again the pick of the bunch with impressive leadership and ball-playing skills setting the red and green up on multiple attacking opportunities. Also impressing was Keaon Koloamatangi who'll be up against Viliame Kikau who had some disappointing defensive reads this season, this match-up could be vital for South Sydney if they want to win this one.
Last year, Souths only beat Penrith once in an epic semi-final at Townsville. They won that game off the back of going after Nathan Cleary and his kicking game forcing many rushed kicks and poor fifth tackle options. This allowed the forwards to lay the foundation and roll over the top of Penrith's pack for one of the rare occasions in the last two seasons. Look for Damien Cook to run out of dummy half and exploit Penrith's middle which looked vulnerable at times last week against a 12 men Newcastle side. Latrell Mitchell needs to get his hands on the footy in this one to show South Sydney supporters how much he was missed in last year's decider. Souths have no changes and are as per program from last week's win over the tricolours, the only possible change will be the inclusion of Blake Taafe on the bench returning from an ankle injury in an otherwise unchanged lineup.
Last meeting: Grand Final 2021 - Panthers 14 Rabbitohs 12
Who to watch: Guess who's back, back again. Nathan's back tell your friends. Nathan Cleary is back and rearing to go for the home side in this one. Their captain and prodigal son's shoulder has passed all tests and is ready to give the South Sydney back 3 a front-row seat to his aerial air show. In the four contests against South Sydney last season, his spiralling bombs gave the Souths back 3 nightmares. If he strikes it sweetly, it'll take a special catch and balls of steel to come down with it. His control and composure will give Penrith a massive edge moving forward as they have allowed teams to come back into the contest far too easily in recent weeks.
It was the game-defining play from last year's grand final, Cody Walker's intercept to Stephen Crichton to seal the game for the mountain men. It's safe to say Cody Walker is yet to find his feet so far in 2022. Last week however was a step in the right direction for the NSW Origin representative. Walker was probing and running the football at the line eventually crossing the stripe with an important try. With fellow half, Lachlan Illas taking the right steps in his development, look for Walker to take the line on and gash Penrith's (at times) leaky middle third.
The favourite: As the last undefeated team left in the 2022 Telstra Premiership, Penrith go into the grand final rematch raging hot favourites.
My tip: It's hard not to go past Penrith in this one. It should be a sold-out crowd at the foot of the mountains for this clash, expect the big guns that Penrith has coming back into the side to only strengthen the squad moving forward. Souths will be in this match for the opening hour, but Penrith has too much class and will fatigue Souths with a strong tactical kicking game from the returning prodigal son and force Latrell Mitchell to run the football more than he has so far this season. Penrith by 8.
