Round 6: Rabbitohs v Warriors preview
Winning form clashes on Friday night as the South Sydney Rabbitohs look to kick into gear after their first win since the resumption of play, as they take on the New Zealand Warriors - who are looking to put inconsistencies behind them.
The Rabbitohs' 32-12 victory over the Gold Coast Titans last weekend at Bankwest Stadium saw them perform strongly through the first half, scoring 24 points within as many minutes to start the game.
Latrell Mitchell put in his best performance at fullback to date and was a massive part of the Bunnies' efforts during that opening 25 minutes and indeed throughout the contest. The concern though for Souths, was that they were able to score rapidly in the first 25 minutes but then didn't score again until shortly before half time.
Coach Wayne Bennett has made no changes to the 17 he named to take the field last weekend, although he has named James Roberts on the reserves bench. Roberts was originally named to take the field last weekend but was withdrawn through injury midweek.
The Warriors have again showed their quality and attacking prowess after a 37-26 victory over the Cowboys in Gosford on Friday night. The Warriors have mixed their form up significantly since the resumption of play with victories over the Dragons and Cowboys split by a poor effort against the Panthers. Last weekend, they were good in attack, putting up their highest score since the opening round of the 2019 season.
Concerningly though for the Warriors is that despite their high score, their defence has been questionable, having given up 52 points in the past two matches - something the Rabbitohs could seize upon.
The Warriors' attack was at their entertaining best running in seven tries to five which included a hat-trick for Peta Hiku who was a late inclusion into the Warriors side. The Warriors take an unchanged 17 into this week's match.
Last meeting: Round 24 2019 - Warriors 10 Rabbitohs 31
Who to watch: Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell is one of the most scrutinised players in the competition with expectations on his performance set extremely high. His move to fullback as been an interesting journey with a poor start to his season at fullback, then the adverse attention during the COVID-19 lockdown, followed by the improved performance last weekend. If Mitchell can find his spark at the back yet again this round, then it'll be the Warriors who will be under the microscope as to how they stop him.
Five-eighth Kodi Nikorima as always had big wraps on him and had a potential level set very high, but into his sixth season as an NRL player the expectations on the Warriors stand-off are still yet to be met. A strong performance against South Sydney could help his cause. One of the strongest assets that Nikorima possesses is his running game which doesn't get seen enough. Possessing speed and footwork, Nikorima can have defensive lines going every which way and if he turns on the running game, he could leave the Bunnies' big men struggling to get to him.
The favourite: Despite both being last start winners, the Rabbitohs have been installed as strong favourites given the nature of their last victory and the strengths of the respective lineups.
My tip: It's hard to look past South Sydney. The Rabbitohs were strong last weekend and will be looking to grow on that. The issues that the Warriors still have in defence could be a big downfall for them, particularly if the Bunnies' attack is strong. The Warriors could match with Souths early but there looks to be a difference in quality all over the park. Rabbitohs by 16.
