Round 3: Roosters v Rabbitohs preview
If there was a battle between two NRL teams that never needed anything to ignite, it's the battle of the Roosters and Souths. But after 2022's sin-bin spectacular, this season's first contest could see both sides fired up.
The Sydney Roosters notched their first win of 2023 last weekend with a 20-12 triumph over the Warriors on Saturday afternoon. The performance was yet again far from polished for the Tricolours, who struggled with combinations and couldn't find the right gear to step up when needed.
While fans of the Bondi club would no doubt be happy with the two competition points, they are still yet to find the perfect rhythm across the opening fortnight. This hasn't been helped by the lack of game time for key players through an injury crisis that has plagued the side. And while yes, injuries impact performance, there should be enough quality in the Roosters side to get them through - and they will need to be firing hard against a Souths side that has already proven they can be ruthless at times.
A big relief for the Roosters has seen new recruit Brandon Smith cleared of a rib injury that took him from the field after just 26 minutes last week, meaning he will take his spot in the 9 jersey. In another boost, Victor Radley and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves return to the Roosters side for some much needed experience and aggression. Fletcher Baker drops to the bench and Naufahu Whyte moves to 18th man.
South Sydney were dynamic in Round 1 and the plaudits had them flying high, but come Round 2 they were quickly brought back to earth following their 16-10 defeat to the defending premiers Penrith. The performance from the Rabbitohs was underwhelming to say the least, as star half Lachlan Illias seemed to go missing and it was only through late momentum that the Rabbitohs put themselves in with a chance of claiming the Panthers' scalp.
The Bunnies' performance probably had the scoreboard flatter them, with the Panthers denied a couple of four-pointers of their own in what was a testy game that saw both teams get frustrated - which could be a sign of how Souths could feel this week if things don't go their way.
The visitors have also received an boost on the teamsheet, with Tevita Tatola returning from his head knock suffered in Round 1, while Hame Sele returns from a calf injury. This pushes Davvy Moale to the bench with Daniel Suluka-Fifita out of the 17 and Jed Cartwright is 18th man.
Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2022 - Roosters 14 Rabbitohs 30
Who to watch: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is the player to watch for the Roosters because there has been a lot of discussion about his spot in the Roosters side, and his supposed desperation for the fullback spot of James Tedesco. The media talk shouldn't play mind games on one of the most talented players seen in a very long time but with these conversations comes pressure - so it will be interesting to see how it affects his performance.
All eyes will be on Latrell Mitchell as he turns up to Allianz Stadium on Friday night, and how his emotions will play out following last week's racism controversy. A week with his name across the media after the events of Thursday night will no doubt have an effect on the Souths fullback and yet again he will be the target of ire of the Roosters fans. There is no doubt that any game that brings out emotion can backfire - as it has in the past for Mitchell - so how his mentality is faring will be a major part of Souths chances on Friday night.
Favourite: A lot of the markets and tips see South Sydney as favourites given their form, though it is a pretty even contest as always between the two rivals.
My tip: This is a game that I'm struggling to tip because ultimately it will be coming down to the side who could control their emotions the best. Both sides have talked about their efforts to not let a repeat of 2022 happen again. Souths showed last week that they can get frustrated easily if things aren't going their way and it could backfire on them. I'm tipping the Roosters but in a tight contest. Roosters by 4.
