Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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A classic rivalry is renewed at CommBank Stadium as the finals-bound Penrith Panthers host a struggling South Sydney Rabbitohs side.
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Penrith Panthers team news
Panthers co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo will both be rested from Friday night’s clash against the Rabbitohs. If Cleary and Yeo had played, it would mean the pair would have played three games in nine days. With Cleary and Yeo missing, Brad Schneider will play halfback, with Isaiah Papali’i to play at lock. Last week Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o were rested, so they have both been named to take on the Rabbitohs. A wrist injury suffered in the Origin decider means Liam Martin will miss this game. Scott Sorensen is back from suspension and will play in the back row. Meanwhile, Paul Alamoti will play in the centres, in place of the suspended Izack Tago. With Edwards back on deck, Daine Laurie moves back to the bench.
Squad: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Daine Laurie 15. Liam Henry 16. Luron Patea 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Jack Cole 19. Luke Sommerton 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Harrison Hassett 22. Preston Riki
South Sydney Rabbitohs team news
English import Lewis Dodd has been named on the bench, but Wayne Bennett has shown that doesn’t necessarily mean he will play this season. Jack Wighton will play five-eighth alongside Jamie Humphreys with Cody Walker reportedly out for the year. Latrell Mitchell’s return from Origin duties sees Alex Johnston shift to the wing, with Isaiah Tass shifting to the centres. Campbell Graham has been ruled out with a back injury. Euan Aitken returns from injury in the back row. Brandon Smith is out with a knee injury, with Siliva Havili to start at hooker, while Peter Mamouzelos is back on the interchange. Davvy Moale (knee) is out, with Sean Keppie earning an NRL recall.
Squad: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Tallis Duncan 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Euan Aitken 12. Jacob Host 13. Jai Arrow 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Lewis Dodd 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Thomas Fletcher 20. Ryan Gray 21. Shaquai Mitchell 22. Ammaron Gudgeon
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction
The Penrith Panthers (6th) appear to be rounding into ominous form, securing a convincing 32-10 win over the Parramatta Eels in Round 19. They have been building momentum with five consecutive wins and with Origin now in the rear-view mirror they have set their sights on a fifth straight premiership.
The Rabbitohs (16th) are coming off a bye. Their last match was a 36-16 loss to the Manly Sea Eagles in Round 18. This was their fifth loss in a row.
The Panther’s resolute defence has only conceded 58 points in their last five matches.
In a month with little to cheer about, the Rabbitoh’s Tallis Duncan has scored five tries in his last four matches.
The Rabbitohs stunned the Panthers earlier this year with a 28-18 upset victory in Round four. This broke a two-game winning streak for the Panthers in this fixture, although they have won 12 of the past 15.
Despite the earlier upset, it is hard to see a repeat performance. The Panthers are in red-hot form and playing at their “temporary” home, while the Rabbitohs have struggled for consistency all year. Penrith's defensive structures should prove too strong in this one.
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs tip: Penrith Panthers to win by 13+ points
