South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers scores, results, fixtures, teams, tips, games, how to watch, Jason Demetriou, Ben Hornby

Souths fail to get to a kick on their first use of the ball. Instantly the Panthers have an attacking set. The Rabbitohs don’t need to start this business so early in the night. Dylan Edwards ends the set by forcing a drop-out.

The teams are heading out. Ben Hornby’s first game in charge is about to start. Good luck to the Corrimal Cougars junior. Let the games begin. In other Souths news (can we ever get enough), Damien Cook and his kids are enjoying the walk out for his 200th NRL game. Cook has enjoyed a great career.

If ever a team needs a fast start, it is South Sydney tonight. They will run onto the field believing they can win, but they will really believe if they’re able to put some early points on the premiers. If Penrith start quickly, self-doubt may quickly appear.

As for the Panthers, they’ll do what they’re the best at it. Get their systems going and back those and their bevy of talented players to eventually get the job done. It worked a treat in last year’s grand final, and it can work tonight.

After a week where everything has revolved around the goings-on at Heffron Park, let’s not forget the Panthers. Nathan Cleary isn’t playing tonight, with Brad Schneider again wearing the No.7 jersey. In a minor move announced 60 minutes before kick-off, Moses Leota drops back to the bench with Lindsay Smith to start in the front row.

In case you’ve missed it, here are today’s developments on who will take over from the ousted Jason Demetriou. It will come as a massive shock to just about nobody to see who has a three-year deal to return to Sydney and the red and green. Hint: This person is 74.

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