NRL Round 6 Preview and Prediction - Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Pepper Stadium

Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Pepper Stadium
 
Preview - The Panthers and Rabbitohs both go in search of their third victory of the season when they meet in a mid-table struggle at Pepper Stadium on Friday night. The Panthers failed their litmus test last week as they were convincingly beaten by the Melbourne Storm 28-6 in Melbourne. Despite coming into the year as one of the Premiership favourites, pressure is mounting on the Panthers now, having won just 2 of their opening 5 games. The Rabbitohs were brave, but never really in the contest, for the second straight week as they went down 20-6 to the Cowboys at 1300 Smiles Stadium. There has been no doubting the effort of the Rabbitohs against both the Roosters and Cowboys, however their attack has managed just 2 tries over the past 2 weeks against 2 of the competition’s big guns. 
 
History - The Rabbitohs have had the better of the Panthers over the past 4 seasons, winning 5 from their last 7. However, the Panthers have won 2 from their past 3, including a 28-26 victory at Pepper Stadium last year. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - Massive news out of the Panthers’ camp this week with Anthony Griffin dropping Captain Matt Moylan, as well as Peter Hiku and Waka Blake, for disciplinary reasons. All three players broke a team curfew last week in Melbourne, and it's not the first time Coach Griffin has taken a stand against players not living by his rules. With Tyrone Peachey out with a rib injury, Penrith have almost a completely new back line. Dylan Edwards plays at fullback with Michael Oldfield on one wing. Ballin Watene Zelekniak shifts to the centres to make room for his younger brother to make his debut on the wing in Malakai Watene Zelekniak. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The big news out of the Rabbitohs last week was Michael Maguire preferring Damien Cook to start at hooker over Robbie Farah. Farah came on after 30 minutes, only to suffer a back injury, and he is in some doubt despite being named on the bench this week. George Burgess has been named to make his return in Reserve Grade, however could yet come in to First Grade if Farah is ruled out with injury. 
 
Verdict – Panthers 1-6

I’ll stick with Penrith here, despite them missing three of their big guns in Moylan, Hiku and Blake. I think Penrith have better depth than any other Club in the NRL, and that will be on showcase here against the Rabbitohs. Souths just look short of firepower all over the park this year. There is no doubting their commitment and energy, however the last two weeks against top teams they have barely troubled the scorers. Penrith Park is a difficult place to win at the best of times and, on a Friday night two weeks ago, the Panthers were at their attacking best.