Round 25: Rabbitohs v Dragons preview
Chance for Newcomers to stamp their Credentials
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and St. George Illawarra Dragons will face off on Saturday night, with an abundance of fresh first-graders in both sides. It will be a fantastic opportunity for both sets of fans to enjoy their up and coming talent as the result plays no role in the outcome of the season.
South Sydney have secured third spot on the ladder, whilst there is no hope for St. George Illawarra to make a last-minute finals dash after they lost their spot in the top eight at the wrong end of the season.
The Rabbitohs should still be lively this week though following the club's 54-10 demolition of the Roosters last week. Many players stuck playing no footy this year after the cancellation of the NSW Cup will get a shot in the top grade. The team list looks almost unrecognisable with so many rested.
Wayne Bennett has named rookie Blake Taaffe at fullback to replace the suspended Latrell Mitchell. Alex Johnston will be rested this week, named in the reserves, with Taane Milne starting on the wing. Braidon Burns gets a start at centre in place of origin rep Dane Gagai. Halves Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds have both been rested as well, with Benji Marshall and Lachlan Ilias to replace them. Peter Mamouzelos comes in to replace hooker Damien Cook who is also being rested this week. Patrick Mago comes into the team to start at prop, pushing Mark Nicholls to lock. Nicholls will also captain the side this week for the first time. Jai Arrow is also rested, which sees Jacob Host get a start in the second row against his former club. The bench has completely changed from the previous week too. Dean Hawkins will get a crack in the 14 jersey, with centre Tatau Moga also interestingly named on the interchange. Jed Cartwright and Davvy Moale coming into the side round out the mass changes.
The Dragons are coming into this game with yet another defeat to their name last week. This time, at the hands of the Cowboys. The positive for the Saints though, was undoubtedly the young guns on show with them playing a heavy hand in all of the team's tries last week.
Anthony Griffin has opted to not make too many changes to his side from last week. Dragons juniors Tyrell Sloan, Mat Feagai, Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan all maintain their respective positions coming into this clash. Unfortunately, centre Zac Lomax is out with another broken thumb this week. Gerard Beale replaces him. Corey Norman has been named at halfback again in what will be his final game in the Red V. He will be looking to go out on a good note. Another change to the side comes through the bench, with Jackson Ford dropping back to the reserves and Poasa Faamausili getting a recall to first grade.
Last meeting: Round 20 2021 - Dragons 14 Rabbitohs 50
Who to watch: For the Rabbitohs, Blake Taaffe will certainly be worth casting an eye over this weekend. Taaffe is likely to be Latrell Mitchell's replacement, not only for this round, but for the remainder of the season. With other potential candidates for the number one jumper such as Alex Johnston, look for Taaffe to make a strong contribution in his side this week and get plenty of touches on the footy.
In a game where the highlight is obviously watching the young players showcase their talent, it will be very interesting to watch Talatau Amone in this one. He has already shown us his deadly right foot step and big kicking boot he possesses. Against a Rabbitohs team with a lot of newcomers themselves, look for Amone to really take this game on and have a huge hand in the Dragons' attack.
The favourite: Despite all the changes, South Sydney are still favourites to take this one out.
My tip: With so many players out being rested and serving suspensions for South Sydney, it would be difficult to imagine that players who haven't been able to play a lot of footy this year could suddenly click into gear for this game. However, we know that their coach is Wayne Bennett and we also know that players will be digging deep looking to impress in first grade. The Dragons have looked to the future in recent weeks and their young players have looked very impressive. However, the team's abundance of errors often means they are their own worst enemy. Both teams are without a heap of top flight experience this week and I can't see much separating them. I'm going to go with an upset in this one. St George Illawarra by 6.
