Panthers NYC v Rabbitohs NYC
ANZ Stadium
Kick-off: 1.45pm Sunday
Hoping for a repeat of last week’s top-shelf showing, the Penrith Panthers NYC side travels to ANZ Stadium to face South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo has named an almost identical line-up to the one which humiliated Canberra Raiders 64-8 at Pepper Stadium last Sunday.
However, with Ciraldo keen to rotate through his large squad, recent weeks have proven the team named on Tuesday can often bear little resemblance to the one which takes the field on game day.
After failing a late fitness test last round, explosive outside back Christian Crichton has been named in the centres this week. Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai retain their position in the halves after an outstanding attacking display against the Raiders, while that game’s debutant Daniel Brown keeps his spot on the wing.
Ciraldo has named a seven-man extended bench, which includes highly-rated workhorse Tyrone May and youngster Reed Izzard.
The Panthers remain on top of the NYC ladder with a one point advantage over the Cowboys. With the race for the minor premiership set to go down to the wire, Penrith will be chasing a dominant win over Souths to improve their points differential.
The Rabbitohs are currently 15th on the competition ladder however their position is not indicative of their talent and the danger they pose to their opposition.
These sides last met in Round 17 this year and the Panthers won 22-8 after trailing at halftime.
