Wests Tigers v Rabbitohs preview

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Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs Friday 6:00pm at Scully Park, Tamworth / Kamilaroi

Friday night football kicks off in the golden west. Tamworth will see the Wests Tigers host the finals chasing South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

Spoonbowl lived up to the hype which saw the Wests Tigers go down to the Dragons by four and probably condemn them to back-to-back wooden spoons. 2023 has been another long and winding year for the joint venture. 

Tigers have rung the changes to hopefully change their fortunes or maybe limit the damage. Sea Eagles bound Luke Brooks goes back into the halves which the regional rental car Charlie Staines will give them some spark on the wing. 

The Tigers have shown in previous years, they can rise to the occasion against the Rabbitohs. A win could give them some forlorn hope in avoiding the spoon and denting the Rabbitohs chances at the top eight. 

Souths find themselves in a tough position, sitting outside the top eight headed into the final six weeks of the NRL competition. The positive for the famous club is they have their full-strength team for this clash and ready to rumble. 

Last weekend was a cobweb clearing game for the Rabbitohs. They had several players coming back from injury and were blown away by the Broncos. Now, they get Latrell Mitchell back in the #1 jersey which should smooth any creases in their attack. 

The Rabbitohs have their fate mostly in their hands. Most of their games are against teams outside the top eight and a game against the spiraling Sharks will do them good. Also added in is a late season bye to help them get some key players some rest before the finals. 

On paper, this game looks like it should be a one-side affair. Souths have all the motivation while Wests look ready to end 2023 but rugby league is a funny game? Who knows. You can read back at this and laugh at me when Souths win by a huge score. 

Last meeting: Round 11 2023 - Rabbitohs 20 Wests Tigers 0

Who to watch: In a dark year for the Tigers, there has been a few positives for the joint venute. Jahream Bula has shown plenty of promise and talent in work and should lock down the custodian position for the Tigers for the future and should enjoy his match up against Latrell. 

It has been a good week for Apisai Koroisau who re-signed with the Tigers until probably his final year in the NRL. The Premiership winner has brought some spark to the attack and leadership for the side and will need all his skills to get the Tigers a huge upset. 

This should be the week that Latrell Mitchell calf watch with the powerful fullback due to return and hopefully give the Rabbitohs the final piece of their puzzle to get into the top four. His tackle breaking ability and passing might devastate the Tigers defense. 

Up front, the Rabbitohs pack should be able to get over their opposite number and munch up the metres at will. Leading that will be Jai Arrow and Keon Koloamatagi who after a run out last week will be ready to perform. 

Favourite: Despite being more up and down than a rollercoaster the Rabbitohs with their stars back and a week under their belt should account for the Tigers. 

My tip: This is an easy tip, Souths by 30.

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To'a 4. Junior Tupou 5. Charlie Staines 6. Daine Laurie 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Will Smith 15. Shawn Blore 16. Alex Twal 17. Aitasi James 18. Justin Matamua

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Jai Arrow 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Davvy Moale 15. Siliva Havili 16. Jed Cartwright 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Blake Taaffe

Referees: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Liam Kennedy; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;