Rabbitohs v Bulldogs preview

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Battered Bunnies to face bumbling Bulldogs in the annual Good Friday classic.

Well, what do you say about this contest? Mired in controversy just 12 months ago, it's two very different outfits who approach the annual Easter showdown this season. After featuring in 2015 as the Grand Final re-match, these two are now second billing to the same contest later the same night this year, having finished 5th and 7th respectively and now both widely tipped to miss the Top 4.

The Rabbitohs have had a tough time of it lately too. Losing John Sutton (pec) and Adam Reynolds (jaw) in the opening round didn't halt their momentum too much, but the loss of Sam Burgess last week against a resolute Dragons side will certainly limit their impact in the forwards. Add to that a short turnaround (five days compared to Canterbury's seven) and it's going to have to be a backs-to-the-wall performance for the nominal home side in this one to get across the line.

That's not to write the Bunnies off either. They still possess the games best fullback in Greg Inglis (field goal brain snaps aside), the one remaining Burgess brother up-front in George, and an enviable hooking rotation including Cameron McInnes and former Bulldog Damien Cook.

Which brings us to Canterbury. Missing Michael Lichaa after he sustained an injury in the 'Dogs opening round win over Manly, the Belmore side have been forced to rely upon former Dragon Craig Garvey at rake, with mixed results. The Bulldogs were ordinary for large parts of their last-gasp win over Penrith a fortnight ago, but still managed to cross the line late through a Moses-Mbye inspired comeback. Then last week - well their loss to the Eels probably isn't something worth reflecting on. As a result, the jury is still out on Garvey - and with coach Des Hasler favouring a heavy bench, he's forced into 80 minutes each week as well.

Last meeting: Round 24 2015 - Rabbitohs 18 Bulldogs 32

Despite losing last year's Easter showdown in controversial circumstances, Canterbury dominated the end-of-season clash as they powered toward a finals series the then-reigning premiers were limping towards. Overall South Sydney have the wood on the Bulldogs recently, winning most of the clashes over the past four seasons.

Who to watch: With big Sam Burgess on the sideline for this one, brother George will shoulder the responsibility of taking his side forward in much the same way he had to last season. A question remains over the experience of the Rabbitohs' forward pack, but with George leading the way and his history of destroying the Bulldogs' forwards up the middle, he'll be one to keep an eye on.

Two players celebrate special milestones on Friday afternoon for Canterbury - Josh Reynolds plays game 100 while Josh Morris is the first of the Morris twins to reach 200 NRL appearances. Reynolds has been working to flush the ratbag element out of his game in 2016 and while that little project has delivered mixed results, his form has been better for it. Morris has been seeing a little more ball than in 2015 and it's led to some positive metres down the left edge - if the 'Dogs halves can push it his way early, look for Morris to start some special moves.

The favourite: With the Rabbitohs missing two Burgess brothers, Reynolds and Sutton, the Bulldogs are comfortable favourites for this one.

My tip: South Sydney won't be slouches in this one, but with the level of injuries impacing their depth it's hard to see them finding the extra gear they did last year to get past the blue-and-whites. They'll be well in the contest, but will be found lacking when they need that extra bit of go-forward a player like Sam Burgess delivers. Two milestone boys will help the 'Dogs home. Bulldogs by 4.

1. Greg Inglis 19. Michael Oldfield 3. Bryson Goodwin 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Paul Carter 12. Kyle Turner 13. Nathan Brown
Interchange: 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Kirisome Auva'a

1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Chase Stanley 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Craig Garvey 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Adam Elliot

Referees: Ben Cummins, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy, Bernard Sutton;