NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Penrith Panthers RD18, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel to CommBank Stadium on Friday night to take on the Penrith Panthers in round 18, with kick-off set for 8pm (AEST).

It shapes as a significant test for the Red and Green, who sit seventh on the ladder with eight wins and six losses from 14 matches, holding 22 competition points.

South Sydney head into this contest on the back of a two-game winning streak, having defeated the Parramatta Eels 32-12 away in round 17 and the Brisbane Broncos 48-6 at home in round 15. Those two results followed a difficult stretch where the Rabbitohs dropped three consecutive matches to the Dolphins, North Queensland Cowboys and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

Cody Walker will captain the side from five-eighth. Already sitting fourth on South Sydney's all-time try-scoring list, the skipper will have another opportunity to add to his tally on Friday night.

The head-to-head record between these two sides is split from their last two meetings. The Panthers won 30-10 at CommBank Stadium in round 20 of 2025, while the Rabbitohs claimed a 28-18 victory at Accor Stadium in round four of 2025. South Sydney will be keen to level the ledger at the Panthers' home ground after that heavy defeat last year at this same venue.

The Panthers remain the team to beat in 2026, sitting atop the ladder with 12 wins from 15 matches and a commanding points differential of plus 258. However, Penrith arrive at this contest on a two-game losing run, going down 12-26 to the North Queensland Cowboys in round 17 and 18-19 to the Gold Coast Titans in round 16. Those consecutive losses represent a rare wobble for the competition leaders.

Crucially, the Panthers will be without four of their most influential players for this match. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Isaiah Papali'i and Liam Martin are all listed among the outs, which represents a significant loss of experience and quality across the spine and forward pack.

For the Rabbitohs, this is an opportunity that does not come around often. Catching Penrith at less than full strength while riding a wave of momentum from two strong victories is the kind of scenario that can define a season. With David Fifita in the second row and Brandon Smith at hooker providing plenty of strike, the Red and Green have the firepower to trouble any opposition.

Team Changes

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a side with several notable changes for the trip to CommBank Stadium.

Jack Wighton returns to the side and has been named at centre in the number four jersey, adding plenty of experience to the backline. Matthew Dufty has also been included on the extended bench, providing cover across the outside backs after reaching 100 career NRL appearances. Alex Johnston and Cameron Murray are the notable absentees, listed among the outs for this match.

Cody Walker captains the side from five-eighth alongside Ashton Ward in the halves, while Jye Gray holds the fullback position. The forward pack features Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi in the front row, with David Fifita and Tallis Duncan in the second row and Lachlan Hubner at lock.

For the Panthers, the absences are significant. Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Isaiah Papali'i and Liam Martin are all out of the side, with Jack Cogger taking over at halfback and Lindsay Smith named at lock. Dylan Edwards captains the team from fullback, with Blaize Talagi at five-eighth. Scott Sorensen and Luke Garner fill the second row spots vacated by Papali'i and Martin.

Recent Results

Round 20, 2025 – Penrith Panthers 30-10 South Sydney Rabbitohs (CommBank Stadium).

Round 4, 2025 – South Sydney Rabbitohs 28-18 Penrith Panthers (Accor Stadium).

Match Details and Where To Watch

Fixture: Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Date: Friday 3 July

Kick-off: 8pm (AEST)

Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Adam Gee

Where to Watch: 9, 9Now, Kayo, Foxtel