The Panthers are desperate to maintain their lead at the top of the table when they host South Sydney in the opening game of Round 18 on Friday night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a 12-1 start to the season, Ivan Cleary’s men have dropped their last two matches. After losing to the Titans by a point, Penrith fell to a spirited North Queensland side that was determined to celebrate Jason Taumalolo’s 300th match with a win.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The challenges don’t get any easier this weekend, with the Panthers entering Friday’s clash without their Origin stars. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin will be away in NSW camp, however winger Brian To’o will be on deck after missing selection for the Blues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cleary’s absence sees Jack Cogger step up as halfback to steer the team around the park.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Rabbitohs are riding high after a dominant win over Parramatta last weekend and sit seventh on a congested ladder, just two points behind the second-placed Warriors.<\/p>\n
Every two points are crucial and Wayne Bennett will look to ensure his side keeps the momentum rolling leading into the business end of the season.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Panthers: Jack Cogger comes in at halfback for Blues star Nathan Cleary while the new-look back comprises of Scott Sorensen, Luke Garner and Lindsay Smith with Isaiah Papali’i (concussion), Isaah Yeo (Blues) and Liam Martin (Blues) all missing. Jack Cole, John Fonua and Luron Patea have all been added to the six-man bench as they were in Round 16 when Ivan Cleary chose to rest his Origin stars after Game Two.<\/p>\n
Rabbitohs: A boost for the Bunnies with centre Jack Wighton back from an arm injury after six games on the sideline so Tallis Duncan returns to the back row. Last week’s debutant Dayne Jennings takes over on the wing from Alex Johnston, who suffered a calf injury against the Eels. With Cam Murray on Origin duty, Lachlan Hubner is the new lock. Matt Dufty has been added to the six-man bench as he chases a first NRL appearance since Round 12.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Panthers have won 13 of their last 16 games against the Rabbitohs.
\nThe Rabbitohs have lost three of their last four away games.
\nThe Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games at CommBank Stadium.
\nRabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has scored six tries in his last five games at CommBank Stadium.
\nPanthers winger Thomas Jenkins has scored six tries in five games at CommBank Stadium this season.<\/p>\n
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,\u00a0author of the\u00a0official annual of the NRL.<\/a><\/p>\n