Panthers v Rabbitohs: Cleary, Bennett make late changes
The blistering form of the Rabbitohs will be tested by a team that has lost just once this year.
As the rest of the NRL kept waiting for Penrith to slip up, Ivan Cleary's team continued to get better during the regular season.
Now, they stand two wins away from the title. Their first task is to slow a South Sydney attack that has scored 144 points in their past three matches.
In a match likely to feature plenty of points, if a team falls behind by double figures early there is no need for panic.
Match: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
The rundown
Team news
Panthers: Bench forward Spencer Leniu has been ruled out due to an illness with Mitch Kenny coming onto the interchange. Coach Ivan Cleary has also switched Brent Naden back to the bench with Tyrone May promoted to start at centre.
As he did when he scored two tries in round 20, Kurt Capewell will start in the left second-row position after being named in place of the suspended Viliame Kikau.
The Panthers are aiming for their 17th consecutive victory. Dean Whare and Jack Hetherington were the two players left out 24 hours before the match. Matt Burton was the other reserve omitted an hour before kick-off.
Match: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Rabbitohs: South Sydney were dealt a massive blow on the eve of their preliminary final with Campbell Graham ruled out with a groin injury. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has switched Bayley Sironen to replace Graham in the centres, with Hame Sele coming onto the bench.
Cam Murray has shifted to second row with Liam Knight off the interchange to start at lock. Bennett said he was confident Graham would be fit to play in the NRL grand final next Sunday, if Souths were to end Penrith's 16-game winning streak. Back-rower Jaydn Su'A had a sore knee but will play.
Along with Graham, Steven Marsters was dropped from the squad on Friday. Troy Dargan and Patrick Mago were omitted on Saturday.
The Rabbitohs have won seven from eight against the Panthers at ANZ Stadium.
Match: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Corey Allan
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Josh MansourWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Dane Gagai
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Centre for Panthers is number 14 Tyrone MayCentre for Rabbitohs is number 12 Bayley Sironen
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jaxson Paulo
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 James TamouProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Thomas Burgess
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Jaydn Su'A
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray
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Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Rabbitohs is number 15 Liam Knight
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 3 Brent NadenInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Mark Nicholls
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Moses LeotaInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Jed Cartwright
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Zane TetevanoInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Keaon Koloamatangi
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Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Mitch KennyInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 19 Hame Sele
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key match-up
Nathan Cleary v Adam Reynolds. Cleary has been imperious for most, if not all, of 2020, while Reynolds has improved with each week. Both are capable of controlling a match with their kicking games but are also dangerous with ball in hand. Maybe this one will come down to whoever has the best day kicking for goal.
Stat Attack
South Sydney have averaged a try every 10 minutes during their recent point-scoring spree. Penrith will be spending plenty of time this week reminding themselves of the threat Wayne Bennett's men provide from anywhere on the field.
