Rabbitohs vs Panthers Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

The Rabbitohs are the most improved team over the last few weeks, which has prompted NRL betting markets to open them as favorites.

Let’s review the latest rugby news, stats, injury reports, and rugby odds for Rabbitohs vs Panthers. We’ve plenty of rugby picks and predictions for you to consider.

Rabbitohs Hitting Top Gear

The Rabbitohs have won four of their last five games and the only loss was a 21-20 defeat to the Cronulla Sharks.

They bounced back with wins over the Warriors and Eels, which were dominant displays. They dismantled the Warriors 48-10 before keeping the Eels scoreless with a 26-0 thrashing.

Confidence levels are high entering an important game against the Panthers, and you could argue the Rabbitohs want it more. They’re trying to move into the top four before the playoffs start, which secures a home game in the first round.

The sportsbook is giving them plenty of respect at -165, but most of the early money came for the Panthers, who are -125 with the +2½-point spread.

Bettors should be confident with the Rabbitohs because of their recent form. Playing at home is another positive, and with the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray playing outstanding league, they’re tough to beat.

Panthers in Tough Spot

Losing your halves to injury and suspension isn’t what the Panthers want. It showed up last week when losing 16-0 to the Melbourne Storm and it could show up again.

Not having Luai and Cleary is a huge loss, and despite Jaeman Salmon and Sean O’Sullivan being capable players, it’s not quite the same.

We’re not sure if it’s panic stations yet for the current NRL champions, but it’s certainly cause for concern with the playoffs a few weeks away.

Analyst Steve Roach was critical of their defense against the Storm, which was non-existent at times.

“They should have scored off the Koroisau 40 metre break up the middle,” Roach told Fox Sports. “They got held up over the line. But they also didn’t have the right attitude in defence.

“They missed 22 tackles in the first half. That is unheard of.”

Betting online markets have taken plenty of action with the +2½ line. We didn’t expect to see too much support for the Panthers on the road against a team heading in the right direction.

Rabbitohs vs Panthers Head-to-Head

The Panthers have a 22-16 edge over the Rabbitohs, including the last two games.

They won 26-12 at home earlier this year, but that was when the Rabbitohs were struggling to find their best form.

The prior meeting was a 14-12 Grand Final victory, so the big games are often close and that works in favor of the home side.

Rabbitohs vs Panthers Game Information

• Game: Rabbitohs (13-8) vs Panthers (18-3)
• Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney
• Day/Time: Thursday, Aug. 18, 18, 5:50 a.m. ET
• Rabbitohs vs Panthers Live Stream: RugbyPass

Rabbitohs vs Panthers Betting Lines

Rabbitohs vs Panthers Prediction

It’s never easy to bet against the Panthers, but given their missing halves pairing and the form of the Rabbitohs, we’re going with the favorites.

They have been playing some of the most expansive football and we love betting on confident teams, so lock in the Rabbitohs at -165. Also, the -2½ line is well worth locking in.

It could move to -1½ with the support of the Panthers, but we’re happy taking either line.