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Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL Betting Tips - To’o to make his point in Round 18

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: Thu 02 Jul 2026 10:29
The Penrith Panthers, despite back-to-back losses, remain a strong force, boasting a dominant record against South Sydney and excellent season stats. Brian To'o, returning after missing NSW Origin selection, is tipped for a strong performance. South Sydney are building confidence after recent wins, but face leadership gaps due to injuries and Origin absentees. Recommended bets: Penrith -3.5, match total over 45.5, and Brian To'o to score a try. Expect Penrith to leverage their strengths and bounce back with a convincing performance.
Jeremy Darke 3 hours ago
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  • Penrith dominated recent matchups, despite two straight defeats.
  • Brian To'o expected to shine after Origin omission; pick him as tryscorer.
  • Best bets: Penrith -3.5, Over 45.5 points, To'o as anytime tryscorer.
brian to'o
Brian To'o to make his point for the Panthers (Getty Images)

Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Verdict


The Panthers have suffered two straight defeats but they have secret weapon this week - an angry Brian To'o. He has been dropped from the NSW State of Origin team and I'm expecting a reaction. 

South Sydney are full of confidence after dismantling Parramatta Eels last time out and I think they can contribute to the total going over 45.5 points.

  • Penrith have won 13 of their last 16 games against South Sydney.
  • The Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games at CommBank Stadium.
  • Brian To'o returns after missing NSW Origin selection.

Head to Head


Penrith have controlled this matchup in recent years, winning 13 of the last 16 meetings against the Rabbitohs. 

They have also claimed three of the past five clashes, with their victories coming by 30, 22 and 20 points, highlighting how dangerous the Panthers become when they gain control through the middle of the field.

Penrith Panthers Form - Successive Defeats


Back-to-back defeats have slowed Penrith's momentum, but there is little reason to doubt the competition leaders. 

They opened the season 12-1 before narrow losses to the Titans and Cowboys, with the latter coming in Jason Taumalolo's 300th game. 

Despite those defeats, the Panthers are still averaging 29.2 points scored and only 13.8 conceded across their last five matches.

Penrith continue to dominate possession through elite yardage, averaging 1,950 run metres and more than 650 post-contact metres per game, while their defence remains the benchmark of the competition. 

Origin absentees force another reshuffle, but Ivan Cleary's system has repeatedly shown it can withstand representative disruptions.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis


The Rabbitohs have quietly built themselves into a genuine finals contender, sitting seventh on the ladder and only two competition points outside second place heading into Round 18. 

After dropping three straight matches, they responded with consecutive wins before the bye and carried that momentum into a convincing victory over Parramatta last weekend.

South Sydney have averaged 24.4 points across their last five games, with Cody Walker continuing to control the attack and Brandon Smith providing spark around the ruck. 

Jack Wighton's return adds another experienced ball-runner to the backline, although Cameron Murray's absence through Origin and Alex Johnston's calf injury leave the Rabbitohs short of leadership through the middle and finishing power out wide.

Verdict

Take Penrith -3.5 and Over 45.5, with Brian To'o the tryscorer play after being dropped from the NSW Origin Game 3 side.

Best Bet1: Penrith -3.5 Handicap/Line @10/11 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Over 45.5 Game Total @10/11 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Brian To'o Anytime Tryscorer @7/8 at Star Sports - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Brian To'o First Tryscorer @13/2 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Penrith -3.5
Handicap/Line
@10/11 - 3 Units
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

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Bet at Hollywood bets
Over 45.5
Game Total
@10/11 - 1 Unit
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Bet at bet365
Brian To'o
Anytime Tryscorer
@7/8 - 2 Units
Bet £20 Get £10
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Bet at Star Sports
Brian To'o
First Tryscorer
@13/2 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
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Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

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