Andrew Johns is backing the Rabbitohs to make a huge statement ahead of the finals by taking care of a Panthers side that’s starting to get back to full strength in what he says is “the game of the year”.
Sitting second and third on the ladder with three rounds remaining, tomorrow night’s Suncorp Stadium blockbuster shapes as a qualifying final preview with the two sides on collision course to meet in week one of the playoffs.
Scroll below for the current leaderboard and Round 23 tips by Johns, Fittler and all Nine’s expert tipsters!
While that has had some predicting that Wayne Bennett and Ivan Cleary will hold their cards close to their chest and leave something in reserve for September, Johns expects South Sydney to plant their flag after being walloped 56-12 when the clubs last met back in Round 11.
At that point in the season the Panthers were purring and had established themselves as red hot premiership favourites, thanks to the stunning form of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in the halves.
That script was flipped somewhat by the shoulder injury Cleary suffered in State of Origin II, but with the halfback set to suit up for his second match after returning, Penrith have a huge chance to re-establish their title claims.
Johns doesn’t see it going that way.
“Penrith with Nathan back against the high flying point-scoring Bunnies, I think this game will be a pointscoring shootout,” Johns told Brad Fittler for Wide World of Sports’ Freddy & Joey’s Tips.
“I’m going Souths, I really like Souths in this one,” Johns said, adding that he was blown away by “Cam Murray’s form in the middle of the field”.
The Rabbitohs have named flyer Alex Johnston and star centre Campbell Graham to return, with Bennett able to pick his first choice back five for the first time in a while.
However, on the other side of the field, a Panthers debut for former Broncos wrecking ball Tevita Pangai Jnr looms and James Fisher-Harris is expected to make his return after being named on an extended bench.
Those additions were enough to convince Fittler to stick with his old side and tip the Panthers to do the season double over the Rabbitohs and retain second spot on the ladder.
Andrew Johns: Storm, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Broncos
Brad Fittler: Storm, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Tigers, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Warriors
The Mole: Storm, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Sharks, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Warriors
Paul Gallen: Storm, Raiders, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Warriors
Ruan Sims: Storm, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Knights, Eels, Dragons, Broncos
Wally Lewis: Storm, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Sharks, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Broncos
Billy Slater: Storm, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Warriors
Darren Lockyer: Storm, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Broncos
Tim Elbra: Storm, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Broncos
Ben Glover: Storm, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Knights, Eels, Roosters, Broncos
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