NRL Sunday: Rabbitohs v Panthers betting tips, prediction & odds, round 11, 2021
Welcome to our South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at Apex Oval, Dubbo, on Saturday, May 23.
This shapes as one of the matches of the season so far, and it’s fantastic to see country league fans given a treat with such a high-quality match-up to be played in the NSW town of Dubbo.
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Of course, Penrith have taken all before them so far and sit atop the table with a perfect record of 10 wins from 10 matches. They also have probably the healthiest roster in the NRL, with few major injuries.
The Panthers have won four of their past five matches against the Rabbitohs, including beating them twice last season, 20-12 in round seven and then 20-16 a thrilling preliminary final.
Souths are also travelling and have dropped just of their 10 matches this season, with both losses coming against defending premiers Melbourne Storm. They are finding their way back to full strength and are rated as among the teams most likely to upstage the Panthers come finals time.
Souths bounced back from a 50-0 shellacking by the Storm in a match where the team was decimated by injury to beat the Sharks last weekend but will have to find a whole new level to that to trouble the Panthers.
Rabbitohs v Panthers team news for round 11
The big news for the Bunnies is the return from a lengthy suspension of star fullback Latrell Mitchell, whose return allows electric Cody Walker to switch back to the No.6 jumper and veteran Benji Marshall to go back to the bench from where he can be so effective,
There was further good news with towering centre Campbell Graham named after recovering early from a broken hand. His return comes at the expense of Braidon Burns.
Winger Josh Mansour (hamstring) is back in the line-up to face his old club, with Taane Milne making way.
Meanwhile the Panthers have lost fullback Dylan Edwards to injury and prop Moses Leota is also out, with centre Paul Momirovski moving to fullback and Spencer Leniu coming onto the pine. Matt Esienhuth moves to starting prop to cover for Leota.
Rabbitohs v Panthers
Kick-off: 2pm local time
Venue: Apex Oval, Dubbo
Head to head odds: South Sydney $3.30, Penrith $1.35
Line: South Sydney (+9.5 points) $1.90, Penrith (-9.5 points) $1.90
Match total: 48.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90
Rabbitohs v Panthers free betting tips
Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free South-Penrith tips for Sunday’s game.
Alex Johnston to score a try
The Souths winger is a try-scoring phenomenon and now Mitchell is back the Souths back line again takes on a scary look. The Penrith defence is tough to crack but you can bet if they Bunnies manage to do it, Johnston won’t be far away from the action.
Souths +10.5 points/match total under 46.5 points
We know how good the Panthers defence has been and Souths should bring a finals-like intensity to this match. There is a lot on the line for both teams. We expect it be tight before the Panthers outmuscle them at the end.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers prediction 23-5-2021
This is a great match-up. The Panthers have the most miserly defence in the history of the game at this stage of the season, conceding just over seven points per match. The Rabbitohs will look to test that defence with their incredibly potent left-side attack. Of course, the Panthers are also among the top attacking teams in the NRL. There are big name stars everywhere and even though it’s being played in the country you can expect a passionate crowd and intense defence from both sides. In the end though, how can you tip against a team that has not lost a regular season match since the first half of last season. The Panthers are riding the crest of a wave. Our Rabbitohs v Panthers prediction: Penrith to win by 4 points.
Rabbitohs v Panthers lowdown
Fox League and KAYO will telecast the game.
All of the top International betting sites will offer markets on the NRL.
The match kicks off at 2pm AEST
