Tigers v Rabbitohs preview

Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs
ANZ Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

Can the Tigers overcome the loss of metre eater Woods, or will the Rabbitohs run rampant?

The Tigers come into this match desperate for a win, after losing their past four matches and drifting out of touch with the top 8. The Warriors currently sit in 8th position on 14 points, while the Tigers are only 4 points behind, but languish in 13th spot. Round 8's win against the Bulldogs has been the only positive for the Tigers in the past 8 weeks.

Their task this weekend is a difficult one, considering the loss of both Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah to Origin duties. So far this season, Woods has averaged 200 metres, 35 tackles and 20 hitups - firmly positioning himself as one of the prominent props in the game. His absence this weekend is notable, especially considering that the Tigers are up against a forward pack boasting the Burgess brothers and Chris McQueen.

In a boost for the Tigers, Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma will make their returns in the centres.

The Rabbitohs are riding high at the moment, on the back of three straight wins. Their performance against the Warriors last weekend was their best of the season - unfortunately it was in Perth, away from almost all of their fans, who have been desperate for something to celebrate this season.

The Bunnies go into this clash without Greg Inglis (Origin duties) and Isaac Luke (injured medial ligament). Cameron McInness has been named at hooker, while Alex Johnston will move to fullback, opening a wing spot for John Olive to make his NRL Debut.

Last meeting: Round 3 2015 - South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 Wests Tigers 6

Who to watch: Last week against the Titans, James Tedesco was easily the best on the park for his side. Together with Aaron Woods he was responsible for keeping the Tigers in the hunt. In his last three games, Tedesco has averaged 180 metres+, and he has become an important factor in starting sets for the Tigers. His runs per game have also increased from last year, and although he isn't setting up as many tries directly, his support play and positioning off the ball has improved markedly.

His opposite number, Alex Johnston, returns to his favoured fullback role this weekend, in the absence of Greg Inglis. Blues coach Laurie Daley's message to Johnston was that he lacked size and toughness, but Johnston went a long way to silence that criticism against the Warriors last weekend. Marking up on the powerful Manu Vatuvei, Johnston more than held his own, and was an important factor in his side's win.

The favourite: The Rabbitohs are massive favourites in this match, and deservedly so. Alex Johnston at $11 for first tryscorer could be worth a tickle.

My tip: With Aaron Woods out, the Tigers will struggle for go forward - even despite Keith Galloway's impact up front. After failing to account for the Titans last weekend, defeating the South Sydney Rabbitohs, even without Greg Inglis, is too tall an ask. Rabbitohs by 12.

1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. David Nofoaluma 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Keith Galloway 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Kyle Lovett 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Ava Seumanufagai 15. Matthew Lodge 16. Manaia Cherrington 17. Brenden Santi 21. Jack Buchanan

1. Alex Johnston 2. John Olive 3. Dylan Walker 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Aaron Gray 6. John Sutton 7. Luke Keary 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Nathan Brown 12. Chris McQueen 13. Ben Lowe
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. Tim Grant 17. George Burgess

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Steve Folkes;

Check out all the action live in our Match Centre