NRL Match Previews - Roosters v Rabbitohs (Round 18)

  vs  
09-07-2010 07:35PM at Sydney Football Stadium

Referee: Gavin Badger and Ashley Klein
Touch Judges: Phil Haines and Russell Turner
Referee: Sean Hampstead

There is more history in this rivalry than any other in the NRL. The Rabbits and the Roosters meet for the 201st time on Friday night and anyone with a sense of rugby league history will appreciate this but anyone in a tipping comp will not. The Roosters finally play a home game after 3 away games in Melbourne, Christchurch and Canberra respectively. Impressive that this young team was able to win 2 of the three and very unlucky not to have made it 3.

Will they be fatigued? Perhaps but the real question in this match will be answered by Beau Falloon who replaces the injured South's superstar Isaac Luke. Luke has been a major contributor this year and possibly the reason South Sydney currently sit 5th on the ladder. If Falloon can make the transition seamlessly and the Rabbitohs play close to their potential, they win. We think they enjoy the two weeks rest and dominate through the forwards.

My Man of the Match Prediction: Sam Burgess
My Tip: Rabbitohs 24-20

The Teams

Sydney Roosters               South Sydney Rabbitohs
Suspensions No Suspensions Injuries A. Cherrington T. Symonds M. Kennedy M. Pearce	1. Anthony Minichiello Fullback 1. Rhys Wesser 2. Phil Graham Wing 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Kane Linnett Centre 3. Beau Champion 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall Centre 4. Colin Best 5. Sam Perrett Wing 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. Todd Carney Five Eighth 6. John Sutton 7. Mitchell Pearce Halfback 7. Chris Sandow 8. Jason Ryles Prop 8. Luke Stuart 9. Jake Friend Hooker 9. Beau Falloon 10. Nate Myles Prop 10. Roy Asotasi 11. Frank-Paul Nuuausala Second Row 11. Sam Burgess 12. Mitchell Aubusson Second Row 12. Dave Taylor 13. Braith Anasta Lock 13. Ben Lowe 14. Martin Kennedy Interchange 14. Garrett Crossman 15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Interchange 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Mose Masoe Interchange 16. Dave Tyrell 17. Nick Kouparitsas Interchange 17. Jason Clark	Suspensions No Suspensions Injuries B. Ross

Head to Head

LeagueUnlimited Tipsters - Courtesy of www.MyTips.com.au

DragonPunk
(Justin Davies)

Rabbitohs


Total Score
136

Non Terminator
(Josh Hill)

Rabbitohs


Total Score
132

Twizzle
(Kevin Brennan)

Rabbitohs


Total Score
124

CobyDelaney
(Coby Delaney)

Rabbitohs


Total Score
118

Willow
(Steve Williams)

Roosters


Total Score
108

Other Games this Round

• Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Sydney Football Stadium
• Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium
• Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders at Brookvale Oval
• Canterbury Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm at Adelaide Oval, SA
• Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sutherland Sharks at EnergyAustralia Stadium
• Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors at CUA Stadium
• Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys at Parramatta Stadium