Match Centre

Round 11: Rabbitohs v Cowboys preview

Strugglers hope to summon a win in Magic Round 

Going from first to last on the premiership ladder in the space of twelve months, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will be striving to restore hope to a season of despair with a win over the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday evening.

Languishing in 17th position with one win from nine matches to begin the season, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have conceded almost 36 points on average in their worst start to a campaign in the nearly two decades since Russell Crowe took ownership of the club.

Suffering a 28-14 defeat to the Dragons last week to extend their losing run to five straight matches, interim coach Ben Hornby will welcome back Alex Johnston and Jacob Gagai in the backline, while Taane Milne has been recalled from suspension on the bench.

Holding the distinction as the only club with an unbeaten record at Magic Round, including a 32-16 victory over the Cowboys in the inaugural 2019 event, the Rabbitohs have an above average recent record at Suncorp with four wins from six appearances.

Falling from joint competition leaders to 12th over the course of five winless weeks, the North Queensland Cowboys will be aware of the threat posed by their opponents as they look to get their season back on track.

Failing to score a point in the first hour before narrowly going down 20-18 to the Titans last Sunday, coach Todd Payten has responded by recalling representative duo Murray Taulagi and Jordan McLean at the expense of Semi Valemei and Harrison Edwards; versatile forward Sam McIntyre will make his 50th appearance in first grade.

Boasting a 50 per cent record at Magic Round with wins over the Tigers (36-12) and Roosters (20-6) in their past two appearances, the Cowboys have performed admirably at Suncorp with five wins from nine visits during Payten's tenure.  

Last meeting: Round 17 2023 - Rabbitohs 6 Cowboys 31

Who to watch: Putting an end to speculation of a representative recall, Jack Wighton will have his sights set solely on improving the fortunes of his team at club level. Set to bring up his 250th game in first grade 12 years on from his debut with the Raiders, the 31-year-old has been a victim of a struggling side with two tries and zero assists to show for his efforts as a Rabbitoh. Holding a strong record in milestone matches with wins in his NRL debut, 100th, 150th, and 200th appearances, Wighton will be looking to continue that trend in Magic Round.

Emerging second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will be looking to make his presence felt on the anniversary of his first grade debut. Gaining his first taste in the NRL at Magic Round before going on to become a regular fixture in the Cowboys pack, the 20-year-old recently secured his future with a long-term deal to join the Dolphins from next season. Playing reduced minutes in last week's loss on the Gold Coast, look for Finefeuiaki to have a greater impact on Saturday night.

Favourite: While both teams have lost five matches in a row, the available players and point-scoring prowess of the Cowboys is expected to be too much for the Rabbitohs to overcome. 

My tip: The Rabbitohs have struggled to score points and can't defend. The Cowboys have shown glimpses of attacking brilliance but haven't conceded fewer than 20 points since the opening round. In a game where the scoreboard attendant could be keeping pace with the clock, look for the Cowboys to get the job done. Cowboys by 14.