Panthers to banish Bunnies woes
Rugby League 
/ James Cleary / 29 May 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market
I would take the Panthers to beat their Rabbitohs ANZ Stadium ‘hoodoo’ and win it by 10.
James Cleary argues that the Penrith Panthers face one of their biggest tests of the season when they travel to South Sydney to take on the Rabbitohs.
Having won six of their last seven, the second-placed Panthers are level on points with the Dragons and Titans in first and third respectively. Their current level of consistency has encouraged talk of a first NRL crown since 2003, although they have never won in 3 visits to the ANZ Stadium against the Bunnies.
Winger Michael Gordon claimed 22 points for Matthew Elliott's side - including a hat-trick of tries - in Monday's 31-16 victory over the Bulldogs. Gordon is the top points scorer in NRL with 112 - the only player in double figures - and is top of the goal charts with 44.
They will also be boosted by the return of Origin stars Trent Waterhouse, Luke Lewis and Petero Civoniceva into their starting 13.
The Rabbitohs are four points behind the Panthers in 5th spot, having been beaten 26-24 at the Warriors last Sunday, despite leading 18-14 at the break. Missed opportunities proved costly in that match, while Fetuli Talanoa crossed twice, with Issac Luke kicking four goals. Sam Burgess played arguably his best game yet for the South Sydney club. Rhys Wesser has at least been cleared to face his former club after being charged with a high tackle during the defeat.
The Bunnies have followed up a defeat with a win in their last five matches - and having lost last time out, are surely due a win this time?
Last time between the sides in August 2009, the Panthers were 40-10 winners - the previous month, the Rabbitohs prevailed 36-12 at the ANZ Stadium. The Panthers have never won at the venue in the last three visits, with their last win being at Sydney Football Stadium against the home side some five years ago. Overall, the Sydney club have won 37 of 68 matches, with Panthers winning 30 - and 1 draw.
I would take the Panthers to beat their Rabbitohs ANZ Stadium 'hoodoo' and win it by 10.
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