- The 2024 NRL season is set to be tight, with plenty of player movement during the offseason as clubs hope to turn their fortunes around or maintain their dominance. Tipping eight winners each weekend is going to be near impossible, so each week we’ll give you some extra help with three standout games.
Picking the Dolphins as the sure thing last weekend is a lesson that will not soon be forgotten. It is why this week I returned to the competition’s surest of sure things, the Panthers. Penrith had a tough time of it in Townsville last week against the Cowboys, struggling to hold onto the ball and only saved by their incredible defence. The Rabbitohs were absolutely trampled by the Storm on Anzac Day.
The Bunnies have now sacked coach Jason Demetriou after the players appeared to have given up on the season. There is usually a pick up in attitude after a coach sacking, but it is hard to see that being enough to challenge the premiers. Even at their very best in recent years, the Panthers have always proven to be a bridge to far for Souths.
If they simply go through the motions, as they did against the Storm last week, Souths could be in for another embarrassing hiding.
Round 9 sure thing: Panthers
