ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY THURSDAY, MAY 2nd, 2024
The Penrith Panthers are aiming for their third consecutive win as they head back to NSW to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
After securing a hard-fought 26-20 victory against the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night, Ivan Cleary’s side showcased their defensive prowess in sealing the win.
Next Challenge at Accor Stadium
Their next challenge awaits at Accor Stadium, where they will confront a determined Rabbitohs outfit.
Despite South Sydney’s recent setback, suffering a heavy 54-20 defeat to the Melbourne Storm on ANZAC Day, coach Jason Demetriou remains optimistic about his team’s ability to bounce back, despite currently occupying the bottom position on the ladder.
Coach Change for Rabbitohs
On Tuesday night the board of the Rabbitohs decided to sack coach, Jason Demetriou, immediately, and in the mean time will be replaced by Ben Hornby for the rest of 2024, leading the team in conjunction with assistant coaches John Sutton and David Furner.
The Rabbitohs have managed just one victory this season, securing a 20-16 win over the Bulldogs on Good Friday.
Fullback Jye Gray has emerged as a key player, expected to ignite Souths’ attacking prowess.
Injury and Suspension Concerns
However, South Sydney will be without Taane Milne, who accepted a Grade Three Dangerous Contact charge, resulting in a two-week suspension.
Lineup Adjustments
With Milne sidelined, Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson returns to the wing, while there are further changes in the pack following the team’s 34-point defeat to the Storm in Round 8.Tom Burgess will move back to the bench, as Davvy Moale takes the starting spot at prop. Additionally, Keaon Koloamatangi is slated for another week in the front row, continuing his role from the previous week. Michael Chee Kam starts in the second row.
LATE MAIL. Interim coach Ben Hornby has made mass changes with Jacob Gagai out and Isaiah Tass shifting to the wing, while Michael Chee Kam goes from the back row into the centres. Jai Arrow starts at prop with Keaon Kolomatangi shifting to the second row and Sean Keppie joins the bench.
Panthers Line-up Changes
For the Panthers Sunia Turuva returns to the backline after being given the week off by coach Ivan Cleary in Round 8, so there’s no place for Paul Alamoti despite him scoring tries in back-to-back weeks for Penrith. New Zealand Test front-rower Moses Leota is back on deck after a week out with a shoulder complaint, but Scott Sorensen remains side lined with a knee problem.
IN LATE NEWS, I hear Nathan Cleary is out of Thursday nights match due to a short turnaround and his history with hamstring injuries with Brad Schneider coming in at halfback. Jack Cole joins the bench with Daine Laurie shifting to the reserves. Sunia Turuva returns on the wing after being rested, with Paul Alamoti dropping out.
Key Statistics
The Rabbitohs have emerged victorious in just one of their last six encounters against the Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have displayed dominance at Accor Stadium, securing victories in 10 out of their last 12 games there.
Rabbitohs’ winger Jacob Gagai has proven his scoring prowess, netting three tries in his two NRL appearances.
On the other hand, Panthers’ winger Brian To’o boasts an impressive record of scoring 10 tries in 10 games at Accor Stadium.
However, the Rabbitohs have struggled defensively in 2024, conceding an average of 36 points per game.
Team Line-ups
Rabbitohs.
1. Jye Gray 2. Jacob Gagai 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Damien Cook 10. Davvy Moale 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray, 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Jai Arrow , 18. Tallis Duncan 19. Sean Keppie 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Dion Teaupa 22. Adam Christensen
Panthers.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Mavrik Geyer, 18. Jack Cole 19. Paul Alamoti 20. Brad Schneider 21. Preston Riki 22. Tyrone Peachey
Referee: Adam Gee, Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy. Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker. Ashley Klein
Prediction.
The Panthers might feel the strain from their previous match against the Cowboys, especially considering the challenging conditions and the physical demands of the game. Will the Rabbitohs finally lift and put in a performance they can be proud of? Maybe, but the Panthers should still beat them.
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