Roosters v Rabbitohs preview

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Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs Friday 8:05pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

Another chapter is set to be written in one of the game's greatest rivalries, with the Roosters and Rabbitohs meeting at Allianz Stadium on Friday night for their 51st battle (since the NRL was formed in 1998). 

After beating the Broncos in their Round 1 Vegas clash, the Roosters were brought back down to Earth last week, being defeated by Manly in a 21-14 score line. Despite being in the game all the way to the final minutes, they had a lacklustre performance making 20 errors and only having 43% possession. They will be desperate to get back into the winning circle, however they are missing a few key players for this annual clash. 

With Luke Keary out due to concussion, Sandon Smith will partner in the halves with Sam Walker. Siua Wong drops down to the reserves, with Angus Crichton making his return off the bench, along with Connor Watson who will play his first game since 2022 in No.14 off the bench. 

The Rabbitohs are hungry for a win, losing both to Manly and Brisbane in their opening two rounds, if they succumb again come Friday night, they will be starting the season 0-3. Last round's match against the Broncos just seemed to result in every possible thing going wrong for the Bunnies, and despite making less errors than their opponent they could not tie together enough defensive and offensive plays to take the lead. 

Demetriou has made a big decision, dropping Lachlan Ilias to the reserves, with Dean Hawkins taking his place. After serving a suspension, Jack Wighton makes his Rabbitohs debut in the centres, forcing Richie Kennar out of the side. Sean Keppie reverts to the bench wih Davvy Moale being named as starting prop. 

The odds are stacked in favour of the tricolours, where they have won three of the past four contests against the Bunnies. South Sydney has also had little luck lately, only winning four of their past fifteen matches. 

This game marks important milestones, with it being Jared Waerea-Hargreave's 300th NRL match and Cameron Murray's 150th NRL match. Both sides will be craving a win, not only for their club but also to celebrate these special occasions. 

Last meeting: Round 27 2023 - Rabbitohs 12 Roosters 26

Who to watch: Playing a starting role last week after previously starting off the bench, Terrell May is a force to be reckoned with. During his 57 minutes stint on the field last week, he made 111 metres in 14 runs, 4 tackle breaks, 13 hit ups and two offloads, with 94.87% tackle efficiency, only missing one and making one ineffective tackle. He is an absolute beast on the field, and the Roosters are in talks with him continuing his career with the tricolours. 

Making a big impact from the bench, Siliva Havili is an important player in the Rabbitohs pack. Last week against the Broncos he was one of their best players and his injection into the game saw a difference in the side, albeit their loss. During the game he managed to bag his own four pointer, whilst also making one linebreak and one try assist. 

Favourite: The Roosters are slightly favoured to claim victory over their South Sydney opponents. 

My tip:  Neither team is standing out for me, both playing games littered with errors and poor choices. I think the Roosters will make it over the line in the end, they are playing a stronger game than their counterparts at the moment, and I think they will be able to outlast them for the entirety of the match. Roosters by 12.

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Terrell May 17. Angus Crichton 18. Michael Jennings

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 14. Siliva Havili 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 9. Damien Cook 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Sean Keppie 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Michael Chee Kam

Referees: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Wyatt Raymond; Video Referees: Adam Gee;