Rabbitohs v Roosters preview

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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters Friday 8:00pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

The oldest rivalry in Australian Rugby League gets reignited when the South Sydney Rabbitohs host the Sydney Roosters on Friday night. 

There will be a huge sigh of relief come 10pm around Redfern when a nightmare season ends for the Rabbitohs. 

It was a season which set up with a lot of promise for the Rabbitohs but injuries, suspensions and sackings which has left them in 15th spot on the ladder. 

The Rabbitohs have cobbled together a side for their final game of the season which sees Dean Hawkins and Richard Kennar back in the starting side. 

They will look to play spoiler against the Roosters and also send out stalwarts Damien Cook and Thomas Burgess out on a high. 

For the Roosters, they were the cock of the walk before Sunday and now they are scratching their way into the finals after a trio of injuries. 

Sydney Roosters have lost Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Victor Radley to long term injuries which might cruel their title chances. 

Trent Robinson will still have them motivated against the old enemy to pile on some points before their qualifying final next weekend. 

One positive is the return of Joseph Suaalii in the backline to maintain their strong backline which remains their most potent asset.  

Last meeting: Round 3 2024 - Roosters 48 Rabbitohs 6

Who to watch: Cody Walker doesn't have an off switch. The five-eighth will compete until the final whistle and he might create some points for the Rabbitohs linking with fullback Jye Gray. Upfront, we will just spend this time saluting Damien Cook and Thomas Burgess who have been wonderful servants for the Rabbitohs getting them to Grand Finals and Prelims in their tenure. Both will be sorely missed in the cardinal and myrtle. 

It is an obvious one, but Sandon Smith should be the halfback for the Sydney Roosters for the rest of the 2024 campaign. The young half has shown in spurts his talent and will get a further chance on the big stage. 

Another player the Roosters fans have earmarked is Naufahu White who will start at lock this weekend due to their absences. He is a powerful forward and has re-signed with the tri-colours for the next few seasons. 

FAVOURITE: Roosters despite their absences will head into this game as favourites to get another big win against the Rabbitohs.

MY TIP: The season is well past done for the Bunnies, and the Tricolours will want to do all they can to secure a home final. Roosters by 24.

1. Jye Gray 2. Tyrone Munro 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 13. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 8. Tallis Duncan 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Sean Keppie 17. Siliva Havili 22. Dion Teaupa

1. James Tedesco 2. Fetalaiga Pauga 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 20. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 17. Terrell May 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Siua Wong 16. Delasalle Vaa 19. Blake Steep 18. Michael Jennings

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Adam Gee;