The Penrith Panthers will enter Round 18 hoping to arrest a two-match losing streak when they face the South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium on Friday night. 

The Panthers suffered a 26-12 defeat to the Cowboys in Townsville last week after a narrow loss to the 16th-placed Titans the previous round. 

Despite those back-to-back losses, Penrith still sits four points clear atop the ladder. Meanwhile, South Sydney raced to an early lead before defeating Parramatta 32-12 to remain within reach of the top four. 

Tallis Duncan reverts to the back row for Souths, with Jack Wighton returning from injury. Cameron Murray (Origin) and Alex Johnston (calf) are absentees. 

Brian To’o will play after being dropped from the New South Wales side, but Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo are out of action this weekend, along with Isaiah Papali’i, who is sidelined with concussion. These sides split their two meetings last season, with the home side winning both.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the opening match of NRL Round 18, check out our Panthers vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

Panthers vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

NRL Round 18 gets off to a scorching start with the table-topping Panthers entertaining top four hopefuls South Sydney.

The Bunnies are the lucky bunch who get to face the Penrith machine minus their Origin cogs, with Nathan Cleary, Issah Yeo and Liam Martin all away this week.

Surprisingly however, they won’t be without Brian To’o who was sensationally dropped for Game II despite being one of NSW most consistent performers in recent years.

Still, NSW loss is Penrith’s gain, and we expect Bizza to be fired up and ready to prove a point here. 

Away from Origin news, Penrith will be looking to avoid their third loss in a row. A losing streak like this seemed unfathomable earlier in the season, but times have changed and the Panthers no longer carry that invincible aura. 

On the flipside South’s are looking to win three on the bounce after two impressive wins, centred around the magic of seemingly ageless stand-off Cody Walker.

If Walker can continue to produce with the ball in hand here, Souths are certainly decent value to upset a Penrith side missing their biggest creative force in Nathan Cleary.

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

As mentioned before, we think Brian To’o will be up for a big one after being dumped from the NSW side. 

He has also scored at least one try in each of his last four appearances against opponents that were ranked in the top eight and is our tip for first try scorer here.

Betting tip: Brian To’o. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Penrith's last six night matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (46.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Penrith has covered the line in each of its last five home matches against South Sydney.

Betting tip: Panthers (-2.5) line. 

Panthers vs Rabbitohs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Cody Walker

Cody Walker has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances at CommBank Stadium.

Izack Tago

Izack Tago has scored a try in five of his last six appearances at CommBank Stadium against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Edward Kosi

Edward Kosi has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against teams on a losing streak.

Jack Cogger

Jack Cogger has scored at least one try in each of his last two appearances against South Sydney.

Thomas Jenkins

Thomas Jenkins has scored two or more tries in each of Penrith's last four Friday matches.

Panthers vs Rabbitohs Teams 

Penrith Panthers Team List 

1. Dylan Edwards (c)

2. Thomas Jenkins

3. Izack Tago

4. Paul Alamoti

5. Brian To'o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Jack Cogger

8. Moses Leota  

9. Freddy Lussick

10. Liam Henry

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Luke Garner

13. Lindsay Smith

14. Billy Scott

15. Kalani Going

16. Billy Phillips

17. Luron Patea

18. Jack Cole

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Jye Gray

2. Dayne Jennings

3. Latrell Siegwalt

4. Jack Wighton 

5. Edward Kosi

6. Cody Walker (c)

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Brandon Smith

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Tallis Duncan

13. Lachlan Hubner

14. Jamie Humphreys

15. Euan Aitken

16. Liam Le Blanc

17. John Radel

18. Matt Dufty

Panthers vs Rabbitohs Match Details 

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST. 

Location: CommBank Stadium, Sydney.