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The Panthers are up against a significant test as they attempt to dodge a 1-3 start to the season, squaring off against Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs on Thursday evening, and they’ll do so without the league’s standout player.
Star halfback Nathan Cleary was sidelined during Penrith’s round three encounter with the Storm after being knocked out, but the team demonstrated tremendous grit in staying competitive against the premiership contenders, ultimately falling just short at 30-24.
According to NRL’s concussion protocols, Cleary will miss the upcoming clash, leaving the Panthers with a squad markedly less seasoned than the one that has dominated the league in recent years.
His absence paves the way for a potential upset, particularly as the Rabbitohs have displayed some encouraging form under Bennett this season, notwithstanding a disappointing loss to the Sharks in the previous round.
Brad Fittler, a premiership winner with Penrith in 1991, is one of two Nine analysts backing South Sydney for the win, alongside Danika Mason, both predicting an upset.
Conversely, Andrew Johns remains loyal to the premiers, influenced by the young halfback selected to fill in for Cleary.
Speaking on Freddy and the Eighth’s Tips on Wide World of Sports, Johns lauded the skills of Trent Toelau, a 25-year-old utility from Melbourne who made his NRL debut last year.
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Trent Toelau of the Panthers celebrates with teammates after scoring a try against Manly in the 2025 Pre-Season Challenge. Getty
“I saw him play in a trial at Leichhardt, where a condensed version of the NSW Cup faced off against a strong Manly side. He was undoubtedly the standout player on the field,” Johns reflected.
“He played as halfback and was the best performer on show.”
Fittler expressed no astonishment, declaring: “They have an abundance of talented youngsters coming through.”
Johns also referenced Toelau in his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, stating: “Trent Toelau slots in at number seven against Souths and he’s yet another Panthers talent who understands his role within this Penrith framework. I was genuinely impressed with his showing in a second-string outfit against Manly during the trials when the Panthers secured a convincing win.
“Keep an eye on his running ability and solid kicking game.”
Scroll down for the latest leaderboard and Round 4 predictions from all Nine’s expert tipsters!
Nine’s NRL tipping leaderboard. Nine
Andrew Johns: Panthers, Titans, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Sharks, Manly, Tigers
Brad Fittler: Rabbitohs, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Tigers
Ruan Sims: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Manly, Tigers
Darren Lockyer: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers
Paul Gallen: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Sharks, Manly, Tigers
Danika Mason: Rabbitohs, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Tigers
Mat Thompson: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Dragons, Cowboys, Sharks, Manly, Tigers
Peter Psaltis: Panthers, Titans, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Sharks, Manly, Tigers
Michael Chammas: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Tigers
David Middleton: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Tigers
The Mole: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Warriors
Ben Glover: Panthers, Roosters, Broncos, Storm, Cowboys, Sharks, Sea Eagles, Tigers
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