TEAMS: NSWRL U17 Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup - 2024 Round 8
26 mins ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm
Both sides come into this encounter undefeated but in completely different form.
The Rabbitohs haven't missed a beat this year, scoring tries at will and dominating sides through the middle. The spine of Inglis, Keary, Reynolds and Luke looks to be improving with each game, while experienced backs Bryson Goodwin and Joel Reddy have made the most of their opportunities back in the top grade. One of the biggest positives for coach Michael Maguire has been the ability to maintain the same 17 men in each of their hit outs, but with former Origin prop Tim Grant waiting in the wings, the South Sydney forwards will be on notice to impress in order to keep their positions.
The Tigers have looked far from impressive in their wins so far. After narrowly downing the Titans first-up, the merged venture let slip an opportunity to rack up a score against an abysmal Dragons side. From the side that won 22-4 on Monday night, Matthew Lodge comes back into the side in place of Jack Buchanan on the bench. Winger Pat Richards has been a stand out already this season, scoring four tries and being a constant threat for oppositions. Coach Jason Taylor has opted to give captain Robbie Farah breaks during the first two matches, but against the reigning premiers, the New South Wales hooker will have to go the distance for the Tigers to be a chance.
Last meeting: Round 14 2014 - South Sydney Rabbitohs 32 Wests Tigers 10
Who to watch: It's impossible to go past Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis, already he has been involved in one of the tries of the season and if history is any indication the Tigers can expect him to fire come Sunday. In 13 appearances, Inglis has scored 10 times against the Tigers, including a four-try haul in 2013, while in his last six appearances at ANZ, he has posted as many tries.
For the Tigers to have any chance, look for New Zealand international Martin Taupau to play a key role. Since his elevation to the starting side, the former Bulldog has taken his game to another level. Averaging 134 metres per game, along with 13 hit-ups and 30 tackles, Taupau has been a constant menace for opposition forward packs. With the Burgess twins providing ample go-forward for Souths, the Tigers will need Taupau to display the form that earned him rave reviews following his performance in the 2014 Four Nations Final.
The favourite: South Sydney won last years Grand Final for a reason, across the board they work as a team, while their individual stars are capable of producing moments of brilliance as was displayed by Greg Inglis last week.
My tip: The Rabbitohs to maintain their unbeaten start with a comprehensive victory. Rabbitohs by 13+.
1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dylan Walker 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Joel Reddy 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. John Sutton 13. Chris McQueen
14. Chris Grevsmuhl 15. Jason Clark 16. Ben Lowe 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Tim Grant 19. Cameron McInnes 20. Daryl Millard
1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Sauaso Sue 13. Martin Taupau
14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Matthew Lodge 17. Brenden Santi 18. Lamar Liolevave
Referees: Ben Cummins, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Grant Atkins, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;