Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sunday 3/10/21
Many expected the Melbourne Storm to run away with the NRL Premiership, but their surprise loss last week has paved the way for what shapes as an evenly-balanced and mouth-watering tussle between the Panthers and Rabbitohs. While the Panthers have probably been the more impressive side across the length of the season, it’s all about timing. That’s why I’m tipping the Rabbitohs.
This will likely be an arm-wrestle and tight all the way to the final minutes, and Souths’ fresher legs will be a huge advantage when the game is in the balance. The Rabbitohs come into this decider off the back of an easier hit-out last week, breezing past Manly, while the Panthers had to tough it out defensively to outlast the Storm in a physical and mental struggle. I just think they put so much into beating the Storm that it’ll take a gargantuan effort to back it up.
Much has been made of the two coaches trading barbs and I’m sure the crafty Wayne Bennett will have a few more tricks up his sleeve for counterpart Ivan Cleary. It’s clear the Panthers’ best chance of winning is mirroring the field-position pressure they inflicted upon the Storm, and Nathan Cleary’s influence will be key to this important area. Bennett will no doubt have a plan to counter this, and the Rabbitohs’ triumph last time these two sides met is evidence he knows what it takes to nullify the Penrith game-breakers.
As for the Rabbitohs, so far Latrell Mitchell’s finals absence has mattered little with exciting youngster Blake Taaffe stepping up to fill the void. Adam Reynolds will also want to take the opportunity to grab a premiership as it’s unlikely he’ll get a chance for the years to come after he joins the Broncos next year.
This is the fourth time these two sides have met in 2021 and the ledger still favours Penrith 2-1 after they were shocked by the Rabbitohs in week one of finals. I’m tipping the Rabbitohs can do it again, even up the ledger and more importantly take the NRL Premiership.
Suggested bet – 3.5u Rabbitohs win at $2.25, 2u Adam Reynolds to win Clive Churchill Medal at $14.