NRL: Penrith Panthers lock up top four finish

The Penrith Panthers gave their 2024 NRL campaign a much-needed boost with a dominant victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night at BlueBet Stadium.

The 34-12 victory means the three-time champions have now secured a top-four finish on the NRL ladder.

While Penrith were favoured to claim the Minor Premiership this time last month, back-to-back losses to the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders saw them temporarily in dangerous of missing the top four.

This victory takes them to 38 points, however, meaning they can finish no lower than fourth and still have a shot at claiming second spot on the table.

Rugby league betting sites had the Panthers strongly favoured to win on Friday night, with the home side paying just $1.13.

However, the comprehensive manner of their victory has clearly encouraged leading sports bookmakers.

Odds for Penrith to win the competition tightened slightly off the back of their victory, shortening from $3.75 to $3.50 now that their top four spot is confirmed.

The Panthers ran in six tries in their effort against South Sydney, all but winning the game in the first 25 minutes by building a rapid-fire 18-0 lead.

Two quick strikes by Sunia Turuva sealed the match straight after halftime, with the winger bagging tries in the 42nd and 45th minutes to make it 28-6.

Penrith’s lead could have swelled even more had they not had a try controversially disallowed before half time.

Brian To’o cut back in from the win and carved through the Rabbitohs’ defence to score in the 32nd minute, but the Bunker ruled that there had been an obstruction with players standing in the line.

Commentators Andrew Johns and Phil Gould were up in arms over the call.

“This is just absolutely ridiculous,” said Johns in response to the call.

“There’s always people in front of the line, it’s the name of the game.

“You move ball laterally at different angles coming back. Honestly.”

Gould agreed, saying: “He (Siliva Havili) had no intention of getting Brian To’o.

“It’s way too pedantic.

“They’ve got tidy all this up before the finals come around.”

“He falls over. That is embarrassing,” added Johns.

“You are rewarding an effort like this. This is what you’re rewarding?

“Disgusting.”

Next up, the Panthers will play the Gold Coast Titans.

Win, and they will give themselves a good chance of finishing second on the NRL ladder, with the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks needing to win their remaining two matches to deny them.

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