Panthers v Rabbitohs, NRL preliminary final, 2020: betting tips, prediction & odds

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Welcome to our Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL preliminary final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on Saturday, October 17.

The winners of the Panthers v Rabbitohs match advance to the grand final to play the winners of Friday night’s Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders match at Suncorp Stadium.

What a shootout this match promises to be, though there is some rain forecast which could take some of the sting out of it.

In one corner we have Ivan Cleary’s Panthers, who have won 16 matches in a row and have lost just once all season. In the other we have Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs, who seemingly flicked a switch a week before the finals and have been running at nearly 50 points a game since.

The games features arguably the best two halfbacks in the game in Nathan Cleary and Adam Reynolds, and a plethora of other established and rising stars.

Penrith and Souths have played only once previously this season when the Panthers scored four tries to two and won 20-12 after leading 8-0 at half-time at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

Six of the past eight matches between these sides have been decided by six points or less. Of course, the Panthers are a different level this season, but Souths boast a dynamic attack so the Panthers would not want to allow the Bunnies to make a flying start. They can hurt you quickly.


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On the team selection front, Penrith have had to replace blockbusting second-rower Viliame Kikau (one-match suspension for dangerous throw) from the first final win against the Roosters. Experienced Kurt Capewell comes into the starting side in his place, with Spencer Leniu coming on to the pine.

Souths have named the same 17 that took a while to get going but blew away Parramatta in the second half last week. There were doubts over star back-rower Jaydn Su’A (knee) but he has been cleared to play.

Read on for our Panthers v Rabbitohs tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Saturday, October 17.


Panthers v Rabbitohs odds

Kick-off: 7.50pm local time
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Head to head odds: Penrith $1.46, South Sydney $2.75
Line betting: Penrith (-6.5 points) $1.97, South Sydney (+6.5 points) $1.83
Match total: 45.5 points: over $1.89, under $1.91


Panthers v Rabbitohs free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free Penrith-Souths betting tips for Saturday night’s game.

Panthers to win/match total over 45.5

We have loved the form of Souths in the past month, but the week off should give the Panthers a real edge, especially among their powerful forward pack who have had time to get over their bumps and bruises while Souths backed up against the Eels. We expect the Panthers to prevail narrowly in a high-scoring contest.

Stephen Crichton to score Panthers’ first try

This bet comply requires the rangy centre to score the first try for his team and not the first of the match. Crichton has been a go-to player all season for the Panthers as far as try-scoring goes and he is a threat with ball in hand as well as on attacking bombs. We think there is some value for him to get over the line first in this huge match for the club.


Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs prediction 17-10-2020

Souths completed a wonderful victory last week that filled up the coffers for the WGL’s loyal fans. We correctly tipped the Eels-Rabbitohs half-time/full-time double last week at $7! Even so, how do you tip against a team that has won 16 matches in a row? The loss of Kikau is certain to hurt the Panthers in attack but they have developed some tremendous depth. They should be able to have some sort of momentum advantage among the forwards, too. We can’t wait for this one to start on Saturday night and expect it to be alive right down the dying stages. It would not surprise to see a field goal kicked to settle matters. Our Panthers v Rabbitohs prediction: Panthers by 2 points.


Panthers v Rabbitohs lowdown

How can I watch the Penrith v South Sydney clash?

Channel Nine, Fox League and KAYO will telecast the game, or it can be streamed at NRL.com.

How can I bet on the Panthers v Rabbitohs clash?

All of the top International betting sites will offer markets on the NRL.

What time does Saturday’s Panthers v Rabbitohs preliminary final start?

The Penrith-Souths match will kick off at 7.50pm local time.

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