South Sydney know they have the side that can match the undefeated Penrith Panthers in their round 11 NRL clash at Apex Oval on Sunday.
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The biggest inclusion for Souths is superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell who returns from a four-week suspension just in time for the first State of Origin which is only two weeks away. What could very well be match of the year to date will likely be decided in the battle of the forwards with two of the best packs in the competition set to meet for the first time this season.
The Rabbitohs are coming into the match with just two losses to their name this season both of which have came against the Melbourne Storm.
Souths were dominant last week in the first half against Cronulla last week before fading throughout the second half to almost be run down but came out on top 32-22. Injured star Cameron Murray knows his side will be ready for the challenge against a tough Penrith outfit.
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"We're going have to be up for it and we're going to have to play the best we have done but the boys have trained really hard the last few weeks and especially this week we get some troops back as well," he said.
"The boys have got a lot of confidence out of the boys being back like Latrell (Mitchell) and Josh Mansour so I think we should give it a real crack and get the job done."
Centre Campbell Graham is also racing the clock to return this week from a hand injury and has been named on an extended bench pending a fitness test which would likely see Braidon Burns drop out of the side.
Murray is racing against the clock in the hope to be selected in the NSW squad to be named in a few weeks but admitted he may not play until early next month.
"Depending on our fast I heal hopefully only one or two weeks away, I ran the other day and felt pretty good so it's starting to get stronger every day," he said
Aside from Mitchell, Josh Mansour has been named to return on the wing against his old club who released him following the 2020 grand final and Murray knows the veteran winger will be up for the clash.
"'Sauce' (Josh Mansour) is a really competitive player and I know he'll go out there with a lot to prove against his old club, he's been out for the last four weeks like Latrell (Mitchell) so I know he is itching to get out there and very excited to be back playing." he said.
Murray knows how good the Panthers are especially being led by leading Daily M vote-getter Nathan Cleary who is arguably the form player of the competition.
"They're a great side Penrith and they have proved it not only the start of this year but the majority of last year as well bar the grand final so they're a really quality side being led around by Nathan Cleary who is probably at the top of his game," he said.
"They have some really strong forward leading their go forward and their outside backs are doing a great job for them as well they have talent across the park."
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