Round 6: Rabbitohs v Sharks preview
Beth casts their eye over this weekend's meeting between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal.
The Rabbitohs are trying to find a beacon of hope, having only won one game so far this year, in a must-win clash against the Sharks come Saturday afternoon.
South Sydney are coming off of their fourth loss of the season, where they were brutally defeated by the Warriors in a 34-4 score line, where they made 15 errors and only had 63 percent completion, leaving them in 17th position on the ladder. They desperately need to turn their season around, but they struggle to create any cohesion in both attack and defence, only averaging 14 points per game this year compared to the 23.5 average last year.
Jason Demetriou makes some mass changes to his team due to injury, suspension, and overall changes. Jye Gray makes his NRL debut at fullback, filling in for Latrell Mitchell, who has a three-week suspension. Tyrone Munro returns on the wing after suffering a collarbone injury, and Peter Mamouzelo is the new hooker with Damien Cook being dropped to 18th man. The bench consists of Shaquai Mitchell who returns from injury as well as Siliva Havili and Davvy Moale, with Sean Keppie and Tallis Duncan pushed out of the starting side.
Cronulla have started off the year strong, with wins against the Warriors, Bulldogs and Raiders, leaving them in fourth place on the ladder. They are fresh off their first bye of the season and will be looking to consolidate their efforts over the coming weeks where post-Round 6 they play the Cowboys, Raiders, and Dragons.
The Sharks front an almost identical team that beat the Raiders the week before their bye, with the only change being the return of Briton Nikora from suspension. His return means that Siosifa Talakai is pushed to the bench and Daniel Atkinson being named as 18th man.
Although boasting a good record against the Sharks at Accor Stadium, winning their last seven matches at home, the Rabbitohs might need a bit more than luck and history on their side, only having won five of their past 18 matches across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Last meeting: Round 23 2023 - Rabbitohs 16 Sharks 26
Who to watch: With Damien Cook dropped to 18th man it'll be interesting to see how Peter Mamouzelos plays as starting hooker, especially with a younger spine (outside of Cody Walker), where fullback Grey is making his NRL debut, and Dean Hawkins having played three games so far this year for the Rabbitohs. Mamouzelo played off the bench last week for a total of 17 minutes, along with seven other first grade appearances.
Pairing well with Hynes in the Cronulla halves, Braydon Trindall, has had decent start to the year, already scoring two tries of his own along with making one try assist and one line break assist.
Favourite: The Sharks are favoured to add another win to their count, to make it a 4-1 start to the season.
My tip: The Rabbitohs are on a slippery downhill slope which unfortunately doesn't look to looking up anytime soon. Cronulla have had a strong start to the year and will no doubt continue with this form coming into Round 6. Sharks by 18.
