Round 26 will see the South Sydney Rabbitohs travel to the foot of the mountains where they will battle the defending premiers, Penrith, in a blockbuster Friday night clash.
Trips to Penrith Stadium have been few and far between for the Red and Green in recent seasons, having played at the ground on just three occasions since 2019.
Round seven back in 2019 was the last time South Sydney tasted victory over the Panthers at the ground. Cody Walker was the star of the show at five-eighth in that game, setting up two tries and scoring one of his own to lead the Rabbitohs to a tight 22-18 victory, while Corey Allan, Dane Gagai and Kyle Turner all crossed for tries too.
Speaking of Walker, he has been named to return to the side at halfback after missing last week’s game against Newcastle due to a head knock. More typically known as a five-eighth throughout his storied career, Walker has made the number seven jumper his own this season. His move to halfback directly coincided with South Sydney’s winning run during the middle of the season when they won six out of seven games.
He was typically brilliant in attack during this period, setting up six tries and scoring five, while also taking on the responsibilities of directing the team around the park and general-play kicking. His return to the team is a massive in and will give his teammates plenty of confidence ahead of this clash with the Panthers.
Walker has also shown great leadership this season, having stepped up as captain twelve times this year in the absence of Cameron Murray. He will have to do so again as Murray failed to have his grade two Careless High Tackle charge downgraded at the Judiciary on Tuesday Night. Ben Hornby confirmed in his post-Captain’s Run media session on Thursday that with Murray ruled out, Keaon Koloamatangi will shift to lock, and Liam Le Blanc will join the bench for his 5th NRL game.
Tyrone Munro has also been named to start on the wing for this game after making his return from a collarbone injury in last week’s game against the Knights, for which he was named in the reserves. At just 19 years of age, Munro has made a huge impression on South Sydney Members and fans since debuting against the New Zealand Warriors in round 18 2023. In his five games at the top level he has scored three tries, set up one, and broken the line six times. Munro’s inclusion in the side means Fletcher Myers has shifted one position in-field to centre.
Much like Munro, Myers has been a spark of excitement for South Sydney in his four games in the top grade. He has shown a remarkable turn of pace, great handling skills and perhaps most importantly, an appetite for hard work coming out of his own end, all of which will be on display against the Panthers.
Shaquai Mitchell suffered a grade two calf strain during the match against the Newcastle Knights in round 25. With only two games left this season, this injury will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season. The injury to Mitchell has resulted in Siliva Havili being called into the team in jersey 17.
Stat Attack
- Tyrone Munro ran for 151 metres (including 59 metres post-contact) and made eight tackle busts in his return to the NRL last weekend against the Knights.
- Cameron Murray made a whopping 53 tackles in last week’s game – the most of any player on the field.
- Cody Walker has the ninth most try assists in the NRL in 2024 with 16 from 19 games.
- South Sydney have played just three games at Panthers Stadium since 2019.
- The Rabbitohs and the Panthers have played each other 94 times since the Panthers came into the competition in 1967. South Sydney have won 48 and lost 46.
