Rabbitohs v Raiders preview

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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders Saturday 3:00pm at Optus Stadium, Burswood / Whadjuk

This battle shows just how much the fortunes for two teams can change in eight short months.

Back then, Souths had just ended a nine-game losing streak with a narrow victory over the lowly Titans, the win raising Souths from the bottom of the ladder, while the Raiders had a bye which propelled them to the top of the table, resulting in them claiming the Minor Premiership 3 weeks later.

Both teams have carried over their end-of-season form from 2025 into the 2026 NRL season. Souths finished 2025 with 3 wins before a last round loss. They've since won 3 of their 4 games played to start this year, starting with a high-scoring 40-30 victory over the Dolphins, before a narrow loss to arch-rivals Sydney, before scoring consecutive victories over the Wests Tigers and Bulldogs. They rank sixth in attack and are one of the 5 teams that have yet to conceded 100 points so far.

The Raiders on the other hand, despite claiming the minor premiership in 2025, had the meekest of finishes to their season, starting with a 62-24 loss to the Dolphins in Round 27 (where they rested most of their players), before losing back-to-back finals games to Brisbane and Cronulla. They won their Round 1 game in 2026 against Manly in golden point, but have lost all 4 games since, sinking to second last on the ladder.

Souths will be looking at the next fortnight as a great opportunity to rise higher up the table as they play the current bottom two teams on the ladder back-to-back, while Canberra have an in-form Souths and next week will take on a Melbourne Storm side who just last week had 50 put on them by the Panthers.

Put bluntly, if the last four weeks hasn't given the Raiders the boot in the pants they need to get their act together, the next two weeks could end their season very early indeed. If they want to prove that last year wasn't a fluke and that they are a legitimate top side, then they need to get their heads in the game and start delivering some wins. Meanwhile, if the Bunnies are serious about proving that they are more than just a strong team on paper, these are the games they need to win comfortably.

Both sides come into this match with minimal changes from last week. Canberra will see Jed Stuart replace Xavier Savage on the wing, while the Bunnies will have Bradon Smith starting at hooker, pushing Bronson Garlic to the bench.

Last meeting: Round 14 2025 - Raiders 36 Rabbitohs 12

Who to watch: Jye Gray is a phenomonal worker at fullback, pops up everywhere in attack, works as a brilliant link man in the backline, but also possesses good pace and step, while his elusiveness makes him a constant threat on kick returns, especially in broken play. Defensively he's even more tireless, building a reputation for being safe defending kicks and denying tries through his tackling and ability to wrap the ball up. Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston's combination on the left edge is an ever-present menace for any defence. Up front Tallis Duncan is one of the most whole-hearted performers in the game, who never quits on any play, while new recruit David Fifita has been in strong form thus far.

For the Raiders, Kaeo Weekes is the biggest threat to any team. His blistering speed alone is enough to worry any kicker, but he also possesses great ball skills and is always keen to take the line on. Ethan Strange is a brilliant ball player and support player while Corey Horsburgh has also been playing well in the middle.

Favourite: Souths are the favourites for this clash, not by a huge amount, but by enough.

MY TIP: The Raiders defence has fallen off badly compared to last year and there's been no signs of that getting rectified in recent weeks, while the Bunnies attack is firing on all cylinders. South Sydney by 18.

1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Jayden Sullivan 20. Edward Kosi

1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 16. Ata Mariota 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 15. Zac Hosking 17. Morgan Smithies 8. Josh Papali'i 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 18. Daine Laurie 19. Joseph Roddy

Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;