NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 3
7 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Struggling sides out for much-needed win.
After promising so much with their opening two games of the season, the Rabbitohs have hit a major hurdle, experiencing their worst losing run under coach Michael Maguire. Managing just one win from their past six matches, the form that saw South Sydney rack up 90 points in the opening fortnight has dried up, however an improved showing against Brisbane will provide the side with optimism heading into Thursday night's clash. With Paul Carter (suspension) and Hymel Hunt (injury) out respectively, premiership winners George Burgess and Kyle Turner return after missing the 30-8 loss to the Broncos. With the side going down to the Tigers just twice under Maguire's tutelage, the Rabbitohs will be eager for success over their fierce rivals.
Conceding 11 tries in a 60-6 massacre at the hands of Canberra, the Tigers return to Sydney in dire need of two points. Losing their past six matches, coach Jason Taylor is under enormous pressure to lift the battling side, especially after starting 2016 with immense promise. Despite the heavy loss, the Tigers remain relatively unchanged, with Tim Simona returning from suspension in place of Nathan Milone. With both sides struggling for form, the Tigers will be hoping for a similar result as last season, which saw them trounce the Rabbitohs with a powerful display.
Last meeting: Round 14 2015 - Tigers 34 Rabbitohs 6
South Sydney hold the overall advantage with 15 wins to the Wests Tigers' 11 across twenty-six meetings. The last five clashes are split 3-2 in the Bunnies' favour. At ANZ, Souths hold a slight edge with six wins from the eleven matches played between the clubs at the Olympic venue.
Who to watch: While the Rabbitohs performances have varied throughout 2016, the one constant for South Sydney has been Sam Burgess. Returning from a stint in England, the Clive Churchill Medalist has made his presence felt with tireless efforts with and without the ball. Coming up against a wounded Wests Tigers outfit, Burgess will have his sights set on helping the Rabbitohs arrest their inconsistent form with a powerhouse effort on Thursday.
After missing six tackles in the Canberra debacle, Tigers halfback Luke Brooks will be looking to make an immediate response against the Rabbitohs. Producing a career-best performance against South Sydney in 2015, the 21-year-old playmaker will be hoping to replicate that effort to alleviate the pressure on embattled coach Jason Taylor and snap a six game losing streak. With spots on offer in the upcoming City v Country match in Tamworth, a strong effort on Thursday may see Brooks come into calculations a representative berth.
The favourite: While both sides recent form has left a lot to be desired, the Rabbitohs are expected to come away with the points, after pushing the high-flying Broncos last Friday.
My tip: Having been humiliated in Canberra last Saturday, expect the Tigers to respond with a much-needed win. Tigers by 8.
1. Greg Inglis 2. Dane Nielsen 3. Kirisome Auva'a 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Aaron Gray 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. David Tyrrell 11. Chris Grevsmuhl 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Cameron McInnes 16. Nathan Brown 17. George Burgess 18. Patrice Siolo
1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 12. Chris Lawrence 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ava Seumanufagai 9. Robbie Farah 13. Sauaso Sue 11. Curtis Sironen 16. Kyle Lovett 15. Dene Halatau
Interchange: 14. Josh Aloiai 17. JJ Felise 18. Michael Chee-Kam 18. Asipeli Fine
Referees: Ashley Klein, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy, Bernard Sutton;