Penrith Panthers host South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 18 of the 2026 NRL season at CommBank Stadium on Friday. Read on for our full match preview, betting tips, and best odds.
Suffering back-to-back upset losses and missing their Origin stars, the Panthers will be eager to halt the slide on Friday against the regrouping Rabbitohs.
FORM: After losing just one of their first 13 games, the ladder-leading Panthers have dropped consecutive matches to the Titans (19-18) and Cowboys (26-12) on the road in huge upsets.
The Rabbitohs emerged from a three-game losing streak to win their last two in convincing fashion – against the Broncos (48-6) and Eels (32-12) either side of the Round 16 bye.
INS AND OUTS: Jack Cogger lines up at halfback, while Scott Sorensen, Luke Garner and Lindsay Smith feature in the back-row with Origin trio Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin, and injured Isaiah Papali’i unavailable.
Jack Wighton returns for Souths, allowing Tallis Duncan to revert to a back-row missing NSW star Cam Murray. Lachlan Hubner comes in at lock and debutant Dayne Jennings comes onto the wing for the injured Alex Johnston.
KEY MATCH-UP: Spurned by the Blues, Brian To’o will have a point to prove – which spells danger for the Rabbitohs and lumbering wing enigma Ed Kosi.
HISTORY: The Panthers have won 13 of their last 16 against the Rabbitohs, but the ledger was square in 2025. Souths won 28-18 at Accor Stadium in Round 4, while Penrith prevailed 30-10 in Round 20 at CommBank.
KEY STAT: Brian To’o is try-less in his last five games against the Rabbitohs.
VERDICT: The Panthers won’t take kindly to their two losses in Queensland and return to their temporary Commbank Stadium base, where they have won 11 of their last 12 (5-0 in 2026). The heavyweights have performed strongly without Cleary and co, relying on steely defence.
The Rabbitohs have picked off some long-hanging fruit in recent weeks but this shapes as a tough assignment as injuries continue to bite, while Murray’s absence can’t be understated.
Prediction: Back the Panthers to Cover the Line (-4.5) @ $1.98
SGM: PANTHERS BY 1-12 / UNDER 45.5 POINTS / DYLAN EDWARDS ANYTIME TRYSCORER / BRIAN TO’O ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $28.43
Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Odds & Popular Betting Markets
Here’s a quick look at the current odds and popular betting markets for the Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs matchup.
*odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| South Sydney Rabbitohs (4.5) | 1.83 | Bet Now |
| Penrith Panthers (-4.5) | 1.98 | Bet Now |
NRL odds correct as of 01/07/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 03/07/2026 8:00pm AEST.
NRL odds correct as of 01/07/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 03/07/2026 8:00pm AEST.