NRL Round Four Preview: Rabbitohs vs Panthers 2025
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are back at Accor Stadium for the first time in 2025, where they will take on the Penrith Panthers this Thursday night in what is sure to be a bumper contest with plenty of physicality.
After suffering their first defeat of the season at the hands of the Sharks last weekend, the Cardinal and Myrtle will be confident they can return to their winning ways, particularly at Accor Stadium where they have a win record of 60%.
They will also be spurred on by not one, but two milestones in the 17 this week, with Siliva Havili notching up 50 games in the Red and Green, while newcomer Mikaele Ravalawa will also make his 100th appearance in the NRL after debuting for the Dragons back in 2019.
Tallis Duncan: “We definitely want to be physical and take the challenge to them.”
Looking towards the forthcoming battle against the Panthers, Tallis Duncan knows that he and his teammates will have to take their physicality to the next level. While the Panthers are missing some key personnel, Duncan is adamant that it’s about the Panthers as a unit, and not which individuals may or may not be playing.
“We spoke about looking at them as a team more so than what individuals are in and what individuals are out. But like you said, we definitely want to be physical and take the challenge to them.”
Jayden Sullivan: “I’m just loving playing footy to be honest.”
Having been used primarily as a utility off the bench so far in 2025, Jayden Sullivan finally got the opportunity to play in his preferred position of halfback against the Sharks after a half time reshuffle from coach Wayne Bennett. Sullivan knows that he could be thrown into any position at any time, and understands the importance of putting in maximum effort in any situation for his teammates and his coach.
“I’m just loving playing footy to be honest. I’ve been playing centre, playing back row so, a bit of Mr Fix It… Wayne’s made my role pretty simple, and as long as I’m giving 100% effort then that’s all he looks for.”
Davvy Moale: “We’re just making sure we’re placing our best foot forward with recovery.”
Davvy Moale dismissed any concerns that players will be struggling with the short turnaround from last Saturday against the Sharks to this Thursday against the Panthers. Due to the strong emphasis that the entire squad places on recovery, Moale insists that everyone in the team will be ready to rip in on Thursday night.
“Yeah everyone’s good. We’re just making sure we’re placing our best foot forward with recovery. Certain players had a big weekend, placing a lot of effort, so we’re making sure that we bounce back strong and ready."
Team Changes
Coach Wayne Bennett has made just a couple of changes to the side that will take the field in round four.
Alex Johnston returns on the wing for his first start since sustaining an Achilles injury in round 21 last year against the Raiders. He’ll provide a wealth of experience for South Sydney out wide, and hopefully some four-pointers to add to his immense career tally of 195.
The return of Johnston will see Isaiah Tass move to centre after starting 2025 on the wing. Tass will cover the absence of Campbell Graham, who suffered a leg injury in last week’s game against the Sharks.
Recent Results
- Round 26, 2024 – Panthers 34-12 Rabbitohs (Panthers Stadium)
- Round 9, 2024 – Panthers 42-12 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
- Round 8, 2023 – Rabbitohs 20-18 Panthers (Accor Stadium)
- Round 2, 2023 – Panthers 16-10 Rabbitohs (Panthers Stadium)
- Prelim Final, 2022 – Panthers 32-12 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers
Date: Thursday 27th March
Kick-off: 8pm (AEDT)
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Tickets here: Buy tickets to Thursday's game here.
