7pm THURSDAY, MARCH 27th 2025 ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
The Panthers head into their Round 4 opener against the Rabbitohs, determined to break their two-game losing streak.
Both teams are coming off defeats in their previous matches and will be eager to get back on track. South Sydney fell to Cronulla in Round 3. With Nathan Cleary sidelined due to concussion protocols, Trent Toelau steps into the No. 7 jersey as his replacement. Daine Laurie has recovered from a quad injury and returns at fullback. In a backline reshuffle, Tom Jenkins shifts to the centres, while Paul Alamoti moves to the wing. Casey McLean drops to the 18th man role.
Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Thomas Jenkins 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Trent Toelau 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Blaize Talagi 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Casey McLean 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Luron Patea 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Brad Schneider
Out: Nathan Cleary (halfback)
In: Daine Laurie (fullback), Trent Toelau (halfback), Matt Eisenhuth (reserve), Luron Patea (reserve), Luke Sommerton (reserve), Brad Schneider (reserve)
Changes: Thomas Jenkins (fullback to centre), Casey Mclean (wing to reserve), Paul Alamoti (centre to wing)
Club record try-scorer Alex Johnston returns from an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 21 last year. Isaiah Tass shifts to the centres, while Campbell Graham is ruled out due to a leg injury.
Rabbitohs
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Tallis Duncan 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Liam Le Blanc 17. Tevita Tatola 18. Fletcher Myers 19. Lewis Dodd 20. Talanoa Penitani 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Salesi Ataata
Out: Campbell Graham (centre)
In: Alex Johnston (wing), Fletcher Myers (reserve), Lewis Dodd (reserve), Talanoa Penitani (reserve), Thomas Fletcher (reserve), Salesi Ataata (reserve)
Changes: Isaiah Tass (wing to centre)
Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs started slowly but built momentum as the game progressed, finishing with a strong surge. They will be looking to maintain that energy and push forward. Last week’s loss ended their unbeaten start to the season, but with this being their first game at Accor Stadium this year, their motivation will be high.
One of the key players to watch is Alex Johnston. After missing most of the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury, he is finally set to make his return. Johnston is just 17 tries away from equaling Ken Irvine’s record of 212 tries—the most in Australian rugby league history. The Rabbitohs struggled to find points against the Sharks last week, but his presence could provide the attacking spark they need.
Meanwhile, the absence of Campbell Graham forces a reshuffle in the backline, which the Panthers will be eager to exploit. While Graham may not always grab the headlines, he plays a crucial role in carrying the ball out of the backfield and contributes significantly on both attack and defense. His absence will be felt.
On the other hand, the Panthers have had a sluggish start to the season, but history suggests a Rabbitohs victory would be a major upset. South Sydney have lost 12 of their last 14 encounters against Penrith.
The loss of Nathan Cleary is undoubtedly a huge blow to the Panthers, but last week’s performance against the Storm showed they can still compete at a high level without him. Pushing Melbourne to the wire will have given Ivan Cleary confidence that his side can get the job done against the Rabbitohs.
Jenkins was one of the standout performers last week and has been rewarded with a starting center spot. Jack Cole also played a key role, and his combination with new halves partner Toelau will be crucial in guiding the Panthers to victory. With an unchanged forward pack, the defending premiers will be determined to bounce back after two consecutive losses.
Referee: Ashley Klein Touch Judge: Drew Oultram Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Key Stats and Insights
The Rabbitohs have won only two of their past 14 games against the Panthers.
The Panthers have won their last five games at Accor Stadium, including two grand finals.
The Rabbitohs have conceded 100 points in their last three games at Accor Stadium.
Panthers winger Paul Alamoti has scored seven tries in his last five games.
Rabbitohs winger Mikaele Ravalawa will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Best Bet.. Panthers for me.
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