Panthers v Rabbitohs: Cogger takes charge; Wighton good to go
The Panthers are desperate to maintain their lead at the top of the table when they host South Sydney in the opening game of Round 18 on Friday night.
After a 12-1 start to the season, Ivan Cleary's men have dropped their last two matches. After losing to the Titans by a point, Penrith fell to a spirited North Queensland side that was determined to celebrate Jason Taumalolo's 300th match with a win.
The challenges don't get any easier this weekend, with the Panthers entering Friday's clash without their Origin stars. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin will be away in NSW camp, however winger Brian To'o will be on deck after missing selection for the Blues.
Cleary's absence sees Jack Cogger step up as halfback to steer the team around the park.
The Rabbitohs are riding high after a dominant win over Parramatta last weekend and sit seventh on a congested ladder, just two points behind the second-placed Warriors.
Every two points are crucial and Wayne Bennett will look to ensure his side keeps the momentum rolling leading into the business end of the season.
Match: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Round 18 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
8th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Panthers: One more late change for Penrith with Jack Cole moving from the bench to start at centre and Izack Tago shifting to the interchange. Luke Garner came out of the side in Thursday's 24-hour update, replaced in the starting side by Billy Phillips. That brings Zakauri Clarke onto the six-man bench. Phillips and Scott Sorensen line up in the back row after Isaiah Papali'i was ruled out with a concussion and with Liam Martin away on NSW duties. Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are also off with the Blues, with Jack Cogger taking over at halfback and Lindsay Smith at lock. Brian To'o will take his place on the wing after missing out on NSW selection. The Panthers have won 13 of their last 16 games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs: South Sydney will line up 1-19, with no late changes on gameday. Jack Wighton is on track to return from a broken arm but South Sydney have been dealt a blow with record-breaking try-scorer Alex Johnston struck down due to a calf injury. Wighton's return at centre will see Tallis Duncan shift to the back-row, with Dayne Jennings replacing Johnston on the wing. Matt Dufty is also back in the six-man bench and could play his first game since Round 12.
Match: Panthers v Rabbitohs
Round 18 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Dayne Jennings
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Paul AlamotiCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Latrell Siegwalt
-
Centre for Panthers is number 18 Jack ColeCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack Wighton
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Edward Kosi
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Jack CoggerHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Ashton Ward
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy LussickHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Brandon Smith
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Liam HenryProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon Koloamatangi
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 David Fifita
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 16 Billy Phillips2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Tallis Duncan
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Lindsay SmithLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Lachlan Hubner
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jamie Humphreys
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Billy ScottInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Euan Aitken
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Kalani Leuluai-GoingInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Liam Le Blanc
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luron Patea
Reserves
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 19 Sione FonuaReserve for Rabbitohs is number 17 John Radel
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 20 Zakauri ClarkeReserve for Rabbitohs is number 18 Matthew Dufty
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Jayden Sullivan
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won 13 of their last 16 games against the Rabbitohs.
- The Rabbitohs have lost three of their last four away games.
- The Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games at CommBank Stadium.
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has scored six tries in his last five games at CommBank Stadium.
- Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has scored six tries in five games at CommBank Stadium this season.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
The competition leaders are back home for a showdown with the Rabbitohs. Family tickets are available from just $67 using the promo code PANTHERS67. Click here to access this exclusive offer before they sell out.
