The Panthers are making a strong defence of their NRL premiership title, as they sit third on the ladder with five wins from the opening seven games.
They can be backed at 3.25 to go on and claim a fourth straight grand final win on the bounce and will take some stopping.
Souths, meanwhile, are at the opposite end of the ladder after winning just one game from their opening seven.
That dismal record led to the sacking of head coach Jason Demetriou, with Ben Hornby placed in interim charge for the remainder of the 2024 NRL season.
The change may bring about some change for the Rabbitohs, but a visit from the Panthers remains massive task for the bunnies.
. What: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Penrith Panthers
. Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
. When: 20:50, Thursday 2nd May 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: South Sydney Rabbitohs 5.50, Penrith Panthers 1.15
Souths are feeling the heat
The pressure is mounting at South Sydney following a horror start to the season which has seen them win just the one game.
Souths were also smashed 54-20 against Melbourne Storm on Anzac Day and remain fixed to the very bottom of the NRL ladder.
That position cost Demetriou his job on Tuesday and the Rabbitohs will be hoping that making the change will provoke a reaction from their underperforming roster.
History is not on their side either. Souths have won just one game out of the last six against the reigning premiers.
Amongst all the mess, there have been some positive signs for the Rabbitohs.
Jacob Gagai is catching the eye on the wing by scoring three tries in two NRL appearances. He can be backed at 13.00 to score the first try of the game, or 3.00 to score at anytime against the Panthers.
With Latrell Mitchell out through suspension, Jye Gray has also taken the opportunity to shine at fullback, providing a much-needed attacking spark.
He can be backed at 4.25 to score at anytime.
Panthers going for three in a row
The Panthers have slipped up on a couple of occasions, losing to Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles, but appear to be back on track now.
They have won the last two games against West Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys and will be confident of making it three on the bounce.
Penrith love playing at Accor Stadium, winning 10 out of the last 12 games at the venue.
So too does Brian To'o, with the winger having scored 10 tries in 10 games there and he can be backed at 5.50 to keep the good run going by scoring the first of the game.
The last two meetings between the two sides have been tight, with no more than six points separating them.
However, Souths are leaking way too many points this season, conceding 36 points on average per game and Penrith can be backed at 6.50 to win by 26-30 points on Thursday night.
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