Match Centre

Round 6: Rabbitohs v Cowboys preview

Spirited Bunnies side aim to stop North Queensland reaching three straight wins

In the second game of round six's Perth double header, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are the ‘home' team hosting the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday afternoon. Injury chaos headlines South's camp, with fans set to see a completely new halves pairing from that which was named last week. The Cowboys are looking to keep up their new-found momentum, with a win this weekend resulting in them pulling back their 0-3 start to 3-3. 

It was the boot of Latrell Mitchell that proved the difference in South Sydney's 20-14 victory over the Sydney Roosters last week. His return to the side had a big effect on the game, at times also admittedly negatively for the Bunnies. Souths looked down and out when Dom Young crossed in the 52nd minute, and injury concerns for a number of their stars saw their bench looking woefully sparse. But the Rabbitohs kept fighting, and it was a 70th minute try to Isaiah Tass that saw them reclaim the lead that they had held at half-time. The victory sees their record go to 4-1 (despite a points differential of only 4), and they are sitting pretty in 5th on the ladder.

The effects of last week's hamstring injuries to Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, and Mikaele Ravalawa will certainly be felt by the Rabbitohs in this match-up. All three will be watching from the sidelines, with Latrell Mitchell and Jayden Sullivan set to form an unlikely halves pairing this Saturday. Big money Englishman Lewis Dodd is unavailable for selection due to a suspension picked up in reserve grade. On the plus side for South Sydney, Alex Johnston and Euan Aitken have both been named to return from their respective injuries.

Despite a disappointing start to the season, the Cowboys have bounced back in recent weeks with two wins on the trot. Breaking their duck against the Raiders, they went on to travel down to Parramatta and beat none other than the Penrith Panthers, 22-18. Trailing 18-12 at the half after having to deal with Reece Robson being sin binned, North Queensland were able to effectively control a low-scoring second 40 minutes to wrestle the game into their grasp. With the score remaining unchanged for nearly the last half an hour, it was a tense finish to a physically demanding game.

Cowboys long away trip continues this weekend, heading all the way West to Perth, over 3000 km away from home. Reuben Cotter has been named at lock after being a late withdrawal last week. This inclusion forces Sam McIntyre to the bench and Harrison Edwards to 18th man. The game will be North Queensland's first in Western Australia since their 1997 6-4 loss to the Western Reds.

Having met 41 times across their history, the Rabbitohs have a slight advantage with 21 wins to 19 (one draw), so the Cowboys will be keen to close that gap. 

Last meeting: Round 11 2024 - Rabbitohs 22 Cowboys 28

Who to watch: With Walker, Humphries, and Dodd all unavailable, Jayden Sullivan takes the helm in the number seven jersey for South Sydney. Partnering with Latrell Mitchell who is admittedly inexperienced in the halves, Sullivan will bear the brunt of playmaking responsibilities. Sullivan was thrust into the halves early on against the Roosters following injuries, getting a line break, try assist, and 23 tackles to his name. Although Sullivan has played in every game so far this season, this will be his first start for the Rabbitohs. He joined South Sydney at the start of this year following a short stint with the Tigers and has faced a long line of preferred half choices ahead of him. With that road cleared out, for better or for worse, Sullivan has a golden opportunity to prove his worth in this crucial game.

Cowboys 2nd rower Kai O'Donnell is seemingly settling in well to his new home in Townsville. The 26 year old has spent the past few seasons playing with Leigh in England, a consistent starter as the club received promotion to the Super League and won the Challenge Cup under Adrian Lam. Getting an opportunity to return to Australia, Proserpine-local O'Donnell jumped at it. Although he only has eight NRL appearances, he has plenty of big game experience and is proving to be a good addition to NQ's pack so far. He made 38 post contact metres and a tackle break in 45 minutes of game time last week, and with his contract lasting until the end of next season, Cowboys fans should be excited about his potential as he continues to grow whilst readjusting to life back in the NRL.

Favourite: The Cowboys hold a narrow edge in the odds as they search for three wins on the trot.

My tip: So far this year, the Bunnies have shown they know how to win. They might not have everything going for them on paper, but I think they can get the job done in Perth. South Sydney by 4.