NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
4 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Last chance saloon as Roosters look to avenge opening round nightmare.
Blowing Manly away early last week, the Rabbitohs will be looking to produce an 80-minute effort against the archrivals after narrowly holding on for a 16-12 win at Brookvale Oval. Returning to ANZ Stadium for the first time since their Good Friday debacle, coach Michael Maguire will have South Sydney raring to go as they look to replicate their opening round win over the Roosters. In the only change from last week, Bryson Goodwin returns on the wing forcing Michael Oldfield onto an extended bench alongside Paul Carter. Winning their past three matches at ANZ Stadium against the Roosters, the Rabbitohs will be out to solidify their place in the top eight and ensure their rivals remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder.
Thwarted by former fullback Roger Tuivasa-Scheck in extra time last week, the Roosters will be under no illusions of the importance of coming away with the two points on Friday night. With no side since the 1999 Broncos going onto make the finals after losing their opening five matches, coach Trent Robinson will be hoping his side can close out the game on Friday after seeing a win against the Warriors fall by the wayside through inexperience and poor last-play options. Despite the run of losses, the Roosters have retained the same squad as last week; however expect Aidan Guerra to once again partner Jackson Hastings in the halves in an effort to combat the Rabbitohs forward pack and reduce pressure on rookie playmaker Jayden Nikorima.
Last meeting: Round 1 2016 - Roosters 10 Rabbitohs 42
Who to watch: While his future may lie with the Panthers, in the present Chris Grevsmuhl will be of immense value for the Rabbitohs as they look to get their season back on track. Having been overlooked early in the year, Grevsmuhl has returned to first grade in tremendous fashion with his high work-rate and ability to make a mark with the ball helping South Sydney make up for disappointing performances against the Dragons and Bulldogs. Having spent most of last season playing off the interchange bench, the former North Queensland junior has made the most of his starting appearances so far in 2016 and will be out to heap further pain on the Roosters this Friday night.
Having recently passed the 200 game milestone for the Roosters, veteran outside-back Shaun Kenny-Dowall will be integral in leading the struggling club to their first win of 2016. Proving a constant threat on the right edge, the New Zealand international will be out to continue his strong try-scoring form, crossing for a double in his past two matches. As the most experienced player in the Roosters line-up, Kenny-Dowall has experienced the highs of premierships and the lows of wooden spoons during his decade long career and will be looking to lead from the front in order to end the losing streak.
The favourite: Despite inconsistent form over the past month, the Rabbitohs are expected to account for the winless Roosters.
My tip: If the Roosters can keep pace with their opponents early on and remain composed with the game on the line, they should have the spark to break through for their maiden win of 2016. Roosters by 10.
1. Greg Inglis 2. Bryson Goodwin 3. Kirisome Auva'a 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Sam Burgess 11. Chris Grevsmuhl 12. Kyle Turner 13. Nathan Brown
Interchange: 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 17. Thomas Burgess 17. Paul Carter
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 12. Aidan Guerra 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 14. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 6. Jayden Nikorima 15. Kane Evans 17. Eloni Vunakece 24. Abraham Papalii
Referees: Ben Cummins, Henry Perenara; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Steve Chiddy, Bernard Sutton;