Saturday night NRL action will descend on Homebush with the preliminary final featuring the Panthers and Rabbitohs. After a great day of sporting action where the tipsters at Before You Bet will find a winner, this NRL Betting preview will aim to finish off the day on the right note. Get ready, this game promises to be an epic with the two 2021 Grand Finalist fighting it out again, with a spot in the 2022 Grand Final on the line.
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Betting Tips
Accor Stadium, Saturday 24th September, 7:50pm (AEST)
The Panthers earned a week off and the right to home ground advantage with an impressive 27-8 victory over the Eels at home. With the game evenly poised 8-7 after 46 minutes, the Panthers clicked into another gear with 30 minutes remaining; some instances involving injuries to their opponents may have contributed to this outcome, but you cannot knock the way the Panthers executed. As tight as the contest was up until that point, there was always a genuine sense that the Panthers were in control. They were superior statistically too; with 51% possession, they completed at 83%, ran for over 400m more than their opponents, missed fewer tackles and committed fewer errors. Considering they probably have a few levels to raise yet, it was a scary indication of what they’re capable of.
The Rabbitohs won their way through to this game courtesy of a 38-12 win over the Sharks. Many thought that the 2nd place team would have little issue with a 7th placed opponent but that was not the case. The Rabbitohs dominated that match from the outset, scoring after just 2 minutes of play. The Sharks failed to find the necessary level of aggression that would take the game to their opponents; the Rabbitohs dictated the terms of the contest from start to finish. Their downfall all year has been their completion rate and it wasn’t better here; it was just superior to their opponents (63% vs 68%). Where they did dominate were line breaks (7), total metres (361m more than the Sharks) and missed tackles (just 27). Assuming they can control the ball well, they are going to be well placed to push the Panthers, like they did twice last year in the Finals.
Squads
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Sean O’Sullivan
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Kolomatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Davvy Moale
Match Prediction
The Panthers are overwhelming favourites for this game ($1.38 vs $3.10) and rightly so given the errors the Rabbitohs can provide in a game. In previous weeks where their opponents have been unable to capitalise in this area. The Panthers have execution that can turn mistake into points or, at the very least, build more pressure and fatigue in an opponent. If the Rabbitohs can control this area of the match, they are in with a chance. The week off will serve the Panthers well compared to their opponents; back-to-back intense weeks at training culminating in physical Finals matches is sure to take its toll. The fact that they’ve been impressive both times in scoring 30+ points against the 3rd and 5th ranked defensive units over the regular season counts for something. They’re a dangerous team with momentum and will want to take the game to the Panthers; physically, the Panthers will relish the challenge. Their pack of forwards has an edge on the Rabbitohs, who will miss Burgess’ contribution in the middle. With this game expected to be wet, the line (8.5) is tempting to take on. As strong as their attack has been all year, the Panthers defence is to be admired. It has won them plenty of tight matches as they give few opportunities away. They appear tougher than last year and without a consistent and accurate completion to the end of attacking sets for the Rabbitohs, the Panthers should cover the line and qualify for their 3rd consecutive Grand Final.
Prop Bets:
Panthers 13+ $2.35 = 1.5 units
Total points under 39.5/Panthers -9.5 @ $3.80 – 1 unit
Crichton & Kikau to score @ $6.50 – 1 unit
Panthers -8.5
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
