The Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs face off in the penultimate game of the season, with a rematch of last year’s NRL grand final set to decide who faces off with the Eels in this year’s big dance.
The Panthers ended the Rabbitohs season in 2020 in week three of the finals, and left the Souths faithful heartbroken last year with a 14-12 victory in the Premiership decider.
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Each of the three times that the two teams have met in the finals has been decided by six points or less, with tonight’s clash at Accor Stadium (7.50pm AEST) set to be another barnstormer.
South Sydney were well out of finals contention in the early stages of this season, before Latrell Mitchell’s return ignited a charge into the elimination rounds – though they only managed to reach seventh on the ladder.
Led by Mitchell, the Rabbitohs beat the Roosters then crushed the Sharks to earn a shot at revenge against the Panthers, who also beat them twice this season.
Mitchell has kicked perfectly from the tee, converting all 12 attempts this final series, but the side has copped a serious blow with try-scoring machine Alex Johnston ruled out with a hip flexor injury. He’s replaced by Richie Kennar on the flank, but it is certainly a blow to their left-edge offence. Siliva Havili is also out, replaced on the bench by Jed Cartwright, while crucial forward Tom Burgess is also absent.
For Penrith, winger Taylan May is suspended following a high shot in their crushing 27-8 victory over the Eels – though he would likely have missed out anyway through a hamstring injury. Charlie Staines is his replacement.
TEAMS (two to be omitted from both teams)
Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.50pm AEST at Accor Stadium
Panthers team: 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 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Matt Eisenhuth
Players cut: 20. J’maine Hopgood 21. Sunia Turuva 22. Chris Smith
Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 21. Richard Kennar 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 Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Jed Cartwright 18. Davvy Moale 19. Blake Taaffe
Players cut: 2. Alex Johnston 20. Josh Mansour 22. Jacob Host
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