South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys
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South Sydney v North Qld preview
Cowboys desperate to kick-start their season against an Origin depleted Rabbitohs
Minus eight Origin stars, this week's South Sydney versus North Queensland clash might not have the aura of a traditional Friday night blockbuster, but for the Cowboys the result could be season-defining.
Another loss would make it four on the trot. Yet despite their slump and sitting in 10th place, the Cowboys remain in finals contention with 14 competition points alongside the eighth placed Sharks.
But with a tough run, one that sees them return home to host the Roosters and Storm in consecutive weeks, first the Cowboys need an attitude adjustment on the road. Having conceded 88-points in their last two away games, as it stands, September action is a world away.
The exclusion of three Maroons stars only adds to the complexity. Fleet footed Daejarn Asi comes in for Valentine Holmes at fullback while Connolly Lemuelu slots back in at centre in place of Queensland debutant, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Upfront, Maroons reject Coen Hess will start at prop in place of Francis Molo.
Last week at Leichhardt Oval, the Rabbitohs barely got out of second gear. Insipid Tigers defence saw them cruise to halftime with a 26-point advantage before easing to a comfortable 38-22 victory in what amounted to little more than a training run.
Another gear will be required this week though. Without the strike power of Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook and Dane Gagai as well as the upfront grunt of Cameron Murray and Jai Arrow, coach Wayne Bennett has opted for a mix of youth and experience.
Fullback Blake Taaffe makes his second appearance in the top grade while centre Braidon Burns gets another chance to impress. Veteran Benji Marshall assumes dummy-half duties for the second time this year and Hame Sele will pack in at lock behind Jaydn Su'A, who returns for the first time since round 14.
In a bonus for Souths, Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker will guide the ship after many predicted the duo would replace the Blues' injured pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luia.
Now on a four game winning streak, the Rabbitohs' position in the top-four is far from in jeopardy and with the Bulldogs, Warriors and Dragons scheduled in the coming month, Souths are just about assured of two bites of the finals cherry.
Last meeting: Round 14 2020 - Cowboys 30 Rabbitohs 31
Who to watch: With 125 tries in just 159 appearances, more often than not, Alex Johnston is in the midst of a try scoring blitz. Last week's first half double against the Tigers made it 10 from his last four outings. Now atop the NRL leaderboard with 19, the Souths flyer is rapidly closing in on Les Brennan's 29 tries, the most by a Rabbitoh in one season.
Now playing less minutes under new coach Todd Payten, Jason Taumalolo's decline in statistical output is understandable. What hasn't changed is his ability to bend the line, but in a side low on confidence his best charges are often one out. Last week the new halves pairing of Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater failed to spark, but if they've learnt anything, this week they'll be hanging off Taumalolo's hip pocket.
The favourite: The Cowboys will fancy themselves against a depleted South Sydney, but having come up empty on their past four road trips, the smart money is on the Rabbitohs to extend their winning run to five.
My tip: There's a good chance this one will be closer than many think, but with a competitive pack and the guile of Reynolds and Walker, Souths should have the power and smarts to get the job done. South Sydney by 12.
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Braidon Burns 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Mark Nicholls 17. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Hame Sele 14. Benji Marshall 14. Liam Knight 15. Jacob Host 16. Patrick Mago 18. Josh Mansour
1. Daejarn Asi 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Javid Bowen 4. Connelly Lemuelu 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reece Robson 10. Jordan McLean 11. Shane Wright 12. Mitchell Dunn 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 15. Tom Gilbert 16. Lachlan Burr 17. Heilum Luki 18. Peter Hola
Referees: Matt Cecchin; Sideline Officials: Chris Butler, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy;