A blockbuster Friday night of NRL actions heads to the regional town of Mudgee as the Panthers host the Raiders. Few would’ve imagined that this ground would play host to a Top 5 clash so late in the season and an exciting match is head. With just 3 weeks until the Finals, each team will be desperate to capture victory and the chance to grab an edge of a potential opponent in September. Before You Bet is here to look at what is ahead in this contest, make sense of it all and add to your enjoyment by finding you a winner or two.
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Panthers vs Rabbitohs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 25 2025
Agonisingly close, only hungrier
The rest of the competition will be aware that the 22-18 loss in Golden Point against the Storm will only make them hungrier for success. After dominating the first third of the match, they allowed their opponents back into the game. They controlled possession (52%) and had a high completion rate (85%) which allowed them to carry the ball strongly (9.2m per carry) and create opportunities (6 line breaks). Unfortunately, they also missed 31 tackles and allowed their opponents back into the game. Expect a bounce back ahead of the Finals.
Taking care of business
It was business as usual for the Raiders in their 28-12 victory over the Sea Eagles in Round 23. The 5-try performance occurred without trouble as the Raiders appear to remain in second gear. Despite 45% possession, they completed at 83%, made 8.6m per carry and had 5 line breaks. Missing 33 tackles needs improving but they are well placed to do so. The Bye was a reward for their performance to date and comes at a great time to freshen them ahead of the Finals.
Stats that matter
The Panthers have won 6 of the past 7 matches against the Raiders. The average winning margin in the past 5 games is 23 points, with just one game decided by less than 20 points.
Despite large margins, the average total points scored in the past 5 matches is low at just 43.8 points.
With the two teams averaging the same number of points defensively this season (19ppg), the Raiders may rely on their attack to get them over the line. They average 27ppg compared to the Panthers 24ppg.
Underestimate the Raiders at your own risk
The fact that this game has been taken away from Sydney brings the Raiders into contention. That’s also overlooking the fact that, for majority of 2025, they have been the better performing team. The expected return – watch for a late change – of Yeo increases the chances of the Panthers but not drastically. He will still need a few weeks to regain his match fitness, and the Raiders play at a pace which many struggle with. The Panthers have played at a high intensity for several weeks now and history indicates that teams usually struggle following a match against the Storm. The extra day to prepare will help the Panthers but so too will the Bye for the Raiders. They’re unchanged and while not performing to an overly attractive level in recent victories, they are set to be primed for this contest. All things considered, while the Panthers are (only slightly) the preferred selection, the value lies within the Raiders with the line. There is every chance they can hand the Panthers another defeat and grab a key mental victory ahead of the Finals.
Raiders +3.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Panthers vs Raiders Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 42.5 – see above for justification of this.
Leg 2 = Either team by 6 points or less – bucking the trend of recent matches between these two sides, this game is set to have a Finals-like intensity to it. This will be sure to keep things tight, and the season averages of both teams further supports this.
Leg 3 = Savage to score – he has been in dynamic form recently for the Raiders, scoring 3 tries in the past 5 weeks. He will be again dangerous on the edge as the Storm potentially unlocked a floor in the Panthers’ defence of high kicks last week.
SGM Odds = $12 at Dabble
Panthers vs Raiders Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 15th August
Location: Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee
Time: 6pm (AEST)
Odds: Panthers $1.65 vs Raiders $2.30
Line: -3.5
Points: 40.5
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Where to Watch Panthers vs Raiders
Watch the Panthers vs Raiders match live on Channel 9 as well as ad free on Kayo Sports.
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