Two days after sacking their coach Jason Demetriou, the Rabbitohs will have to take on the reigning champions to kick-off Round 9 of the NRL.
On Friday night, the Broncos and Roosters will face off and hope to build on their commanding wins last round.
We have another Queensland derby to look forward to this weekend, while the Sharks and Dragons will also go toe-to-toe in a local clash.
MORE: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for Round 9. All odds via TAB.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Penrith Panthers prediction, tip, best bet
It's been a challenging season for the Rabbitohs so far, and it could get a whole lot worse on Thursday night.
After a slower-than-usual start, the Panthers appear to be clicking into gear, while the Bunnies can hardly get their car into ignition.
Even without Nathan Cleary pulling the strings at halfback, it is tough to imagine a scenario where Penrith don't win this match, particularly considering Souths' current coaching situation.
Potentially, the Rabbitohs will have some confidence knowing they won the same fixture last year, although they are a different team in 2024.
If the Panthers pile on the points like the Storm did last round, expect the likes of Sunia Turuva and Izack Tago to find the line, with 62 per cent of the visitors tries this season coming on the right edge, according to Stats Insider.
Prediction: Panthers by 20
Best bet: Izack Tago 1+ try ($2.60)
Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters prediction, tip, best bet
This match has the potential to be a cracker.
Both teams are coming off big wins and will be full of confidence as they look to establish themselves in the top eight.
The return of Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo is huge for the Broncos, but the Roosters are also welcoming back key players including Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua and Victor Radley.
It will be fascinating to see what both teams look like with their first-choice spine available, with injuries impacting their respective squads.
We're leaning towards the Broncos due to their consistency, and the fact they'll have a raucous Suncorp Stadium behind them.
Prediction: Broncos by 6
Best bet: Broncos 1-12 ($3.00)
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Dolphins prediction, tip, best bet
We have another Queensland derby coming our way, with the Cowboys welcoming the Dolphins to Townsville.
Both sides come into this match off losses, but they were both narrow defeats.
The Cowboys' loss in particular was not overly concerning, nearly sealing a stunning comeback against the reigning premiers.
If they can bring that mentality to this game against an injury-affected Dolphins side, they can get the job done.
The Dolphins' attack was rather stunted last week, and it might be hard for them to find a rhythm away from home.
Prediction: Cowboys by 10
Best bet: Scott Drinkwater 1+ try / Cowboys to win ($2.30)
Cronulla Sharks vs. St George Illawarra Dragons prediction, tip, best bet
After building some impressive momentum, it all came crashing down for the Dragons last round, conceding 60 points against the Roosters.
That won't fill their fans with much confidence, but bizarrely enough, Shane Flanagan's side have typically responded well after a loss this season.
Regardless, facing the Sharks in Cronulla will be a stiff test.
The Sharks have lost just one match in 2024 and refuse to give up their spot at the top of the ladder.
In what is typically a high-scoring encounter, we're expecting plenty of points and a strong fight from the Dragons.
Prediction: Sharks by 7
Best bet: Dragons +13.5 / Over 44.5 points ($4.00)