Roosters v Rabbitohs preview

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Two long standing rivals meet to open the season in local derby.

The Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs meet in the first local derby of the season on Sunday at Allianz Stadium.

After a tumultuous off season, the Roosters are desperate to get back on the playing field and let their rugby league do the talking. With news filtering through that former captain and Half Back Mitchell Pearce has been suspended for 8 games by the NRL, the Bondi boys will be hoping that a win can restore some pride in their organisation and quiet down the rumors that the tri colours won't be taking part in the Finals series in 2016. 

Not only has off field dramas hurt the Roosters, but also injuries. Boyd Cordner (torn pec) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ACL) will join Mitchell Pearce on the sideline and severly weakens the Roosters outfit. They will be relying on younger members of their squad to give them a boost, keep a particular eye on Jackson Hastings and Latrell Mitchell.

Souths have had a much quieter pre season with the major news coming months ago when Sam Burgess moved back to the foundation club after a stint in English Rugby. The Rabbitohs are keen to put a disappointing 2015 season behind them where they bounced out of the finals in week 1. Greg Inglis is fit and healthy which will excite Souths fans. The addition of Sam Burgess will bolster their squad as well as the recruitment of young centre Hymel Hunt.

Last meeting: Round 26 2015 - Roosters 30 Rabbitohs 0

The Roosters have only won 2 of the past 5 against the Bunnies, and have dropped 6 of the last 10 games. Souths only have a 33% win record at Allianz since it opened in 1988, even though it was their home ground for many years! It's one of the greatest rivalries in Rugby League and this contest is sure to be no different.

Who to watch: I'm expecting big things from Kane Evans in the Roosters pack. He is a fast, powerful elusive player. He finally gets his shot in the front row starting after injuries to a few Roosters front men. He has the ability to bust open defensive lines and has a ripper offload. Look for him to create openings for his young attacking team mates.

For Souths, look out for Greg Inglis. "GI" was as solid as ever last season but wasn't as destructive as he has been in past seasons. He has had a fresh pre season and has reported his knee feels as good as he has in the past few years. Inglis could pick up a yard of pace due to this and if the Roosters give him any space on Sunday he will make them pay dearly. His kick return metres could decide this game, expecting to see him chalk up the 200 metre mark without too many issues.

The favourite: South Sydney have the money in their direction and with the Roosters missing key men, they are a safe bet.

My tip: Difficult to go past the Rabbitohs in this clash. Roosters are inexperienced in the halves and missing JWH and Cordner will hurt them. It will be an arm wrestle but I have Souths holding on to win this clash. Rabbitohs by 8.

1. Blake Ferguson 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Dale Copley 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Latrell Mitchell 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Kane Evans 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu 
Interchange: 14. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 15. Sam Moa 16. Ian Henderson 17. Vincent Leuluai 18. Mitchell Frei 19. Joe Burgess

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Bryson Goodwin 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Sam Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Paul Carter 12. John Sutton 13. Kyle Turner 
Interchange: 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zane Musgrove 18. Kirisome Auva'a 19. Nathan Brown

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;