This weekend is a "perfect opportunity" for South Sydney.
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That's the view of Origin representative Damien Cook heading into the meeting with the unbeaten Penrith Panthers at Apex Oval.
The Rabbitohs head into the match in fourth place on the ladder but their recent form has been patchy, highlighted by the 50-0 mauling at the hands of Melbourne just two weeks ago.
There was positives on show last weekend when the side bounced back with a 32-22 win over Cronulla, but Cook knows this weekend is the litmus test for Souths.
"It's a perfect opportunity for us" Cook said.
"The last month of footy hasn't been the best for us. Obviously we had a really bad loss and on the weekend it was really important to get back in the winner's circle.
"We've got a few parts of our game we need to work on and there's no better challenge than coming up against the best team in the competition over the past 12 months."
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The win over Cronulla provided a needed shot in the arm and the side has been further boosted this week by the return of internationals Latrell Mitchell and Josh Mansour.
Mitchell, in particular, is massive for the side coming back from suspension and he's set to be arguably the most popular figure among fans at Apex Oval on Sunday.
"It gives us real confidence," Cook said of Mitchell's return.
"We know what he can do on the field. He looks fresh and he's excited to be back.
"You can see what he adds to our team. Cody (Walker) did a great job at fullback and we only lost the one game but the combination they have, plus what Latrell can do on the end of our backline and his great hands, it's a great addition to have back in the side."
Mitchell's return will allow Walker to revert back to his normal position at five-eighth and that sets up one of the matches many intriguing match-ups.
Walker was Origin five-eighth last year but Penrith counterpart Jarome Luai was part of the squad and has been in sensational form again for the unbeaten Panthers this season.
With Nathan Cleary set to be Origin halfback again this year the idea of the Panthers combination leading the Blues would be tempting for NSW coach Brad Fittler, but he recently said he hadn't made up his mind about who will wear the number six this year.
"I thought Cody did a great job last year," Cook said.
"They (Walker and Luai) are both playing some outstanding footy. Cody has been there and shown he can handle that level as well so hopefully we can do a good job for our halves this weekend and they can play their best footy."
The Rabbitohs' match with Penrith kicks off at 2pm, Sunday.
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