Warriors v Rabbitohs preview

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Can the Rabbitohs break through against the high-flying Warriors?

Ignoring the hype leading into their clash with the Titans last Sunday, the Warriors will be hoping for a similar result as they return to Auckland to tackle the out-of-form Rabbitohs. Producing a committed performance on the Gold Coast to run out 24-14 winners, coach Andrew McFadden has retained the same squad that triumphed last week, with Jazz Tavaga and Nathaniel Roache to once again share hooker responsibilities in the absence of Issac Luke. Currently sitting in eighth position, the Warriors will be banking on coming away with two points against the under-siege Rabbitohs in order to keep their distance from the likes of Penrith, Gold Coast and Wests Tigers in the fight for finals positions.

Suffering a heartbreaking extra time loss to the Storm last Saturday night, the Rabbitohs will be hoping their improved showing in Melbourne produces a much-needed win. On a run of nine consecutive losses, South Sydney coach has persevered with his battling side, naming captain Greg Inglis at fullback, while the only positional change sees Tom Burgess start in place of his twin, George. The Rabbitohs have won their past four matches against the Warriors, with their last appearance across the ditch yielding a 24-22 win back in 2013. Saturday also marks an important milestone for versatile forward Kyle Turner, who is set to play his 50th game for the club after debuting back in the club's premiership winning 2014 season.

Last meeting: Round 13 2015 - Rabbitohs 36 Warriors 4

Who to watch: Set to rejoin Wigan next season, Warriors utility Thomas Leuluai will be hoping to finish his tenure in the NRL with a finals appearance. Having debuted in first grade as a 17-year-old back in 2003, the Kiwi international has drifted between the halves and hooker since returning from Super League four years ago but has been unable to take the Warriors beyond Round 26. With a wealth of experience under his belt and a supporting partnership with superstar Shaun Johnson, Leuluai looms as a player to watch in the run towards September, with his big match experience set to make or break the Warriors 2016 campaign.

Predominantly known as a winger early on in his career, Rabbitohs outside back Aaron Gray has made the most of his opportunities in the centres in recent weeks. With in excess of ten different wingers and centres featuring for South Sydney this season, the 22-year-old speedster has shown signs of promise after returning from injury sustained in his representative debut for City back in May. On-contract for next season, Gray will be looking to finish the year on a positive note as the Rabbitohs look to build towards 2017.

The favourite: Having come away with two points on the Gold Coast last Sunday, the Warriors are expected to continue their charge towards September with a win at home.

My tip: While the Rabbitohs were unlucky to go down in Melbourne last week, the stakes on offer for the Warriors should see the home side get up. Warriors by 8.

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Ken Maumalo 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. Ben Matulino 17. Blake Ayshford

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Hymel Hunt 4. Aaron Gray 5. Joe Burgess 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Zane Musgrove 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Jack Gosiewski 16. Angus Crichton 17. George Burgess

Referees: Henry Perenara, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Shane Rehm, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson