Craig Cauchi previews the clash between St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs. This is what we have to look forward to as the NRL celebrates Indigenous Round.
FORM LINE
St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons come off the back of a match where they were out enthused by the Sharks and will rue the missed opportunities at the end. They missed out on winning three matches in a row for the first time this year. The performances of Matt Dufty and Zac Lomax have been the standout in recent weeks.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney Rabbitohs have been able to keep themselves in matches despite inconsistent performances. After beating the Tigers, they have lost to the Knights and Raiders, producing moments in the match where they seemed in complete control and others where they appeared disjointed.
SQUAD NEWS
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jackson Ford 14. Tyrell Fuimaono 15. Josh Kerr 16. Jacob Host 17. Tristan Sailor 18. Kaide Ellis 19. Jason Saab 20. Jayden Sullivan 21. Korbin Sims
Jordan Pereira and Tariq Sims are back from suspension and straight into the starting line up. Adam Clune and Trent Merrin are out due to HIA with Ben Hunt moving back into the halves and Jackson Ford to start at lock. McInnes moves back into the hooker position. Tristan Sailor is named on the bench, leaving the possibility of a late switch to the halves before the match.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Jaxson Paulo 3. Campbell Graham 4. Dane Gagai 5. Alex Johnston 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Cameron Murray 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Liam Knight 16. Keaon Koloamatangi 17. Patrick Mago 18. Jack Johns 19. Corey Allan 20. Kurt Dillon 21. Troy Dargan
Latrell Mitchel is a massive inclusion for Souths at fullback. Alex Johnston moves back to the wing with Corey Allan is named in the reserves. Jack Johns and Hame Sele are replaced by Liam Knight and Patrick Mago.
KEY STAT
The Rabbitohs have a great recent record over the Dragons, winning the last 4 encounters between these two sides. Giving the Dragons hope is the Bunnies poor record at Nestrata Jubilee, winning only 2 of the 7 matches played at this venue.
BATTLE TO WATCH
South Sydney will be disappointed with their 80-minute performances over the last two weeks but should find the going a little easier up the middle. The match against Newcastle appeared one way traffic until Damien Cook exploded in the back half of the match. His attacking numbers have been down this season but he will find plenty of space up the middle against the Dragons. Damien Cook has the opportunity to put the Dragons to the sword on the back of his running game out of dummy half.
St George Illawarra Dragons will be working hard on their defence this week after leaking a combined 50 points over the past two weeks. On the bright side, Matt Dufty has been their main inspiration in attack and will need to deliver big time if the Dragons are to outscore the Bunnies. He has scored eight tries and set up seven but his ability to skip to the outside of the defender has led to many opportunities for the outside backs for the Dragons.
GAME DETAILS
It’s hard to see South Sydney slipping up against the Dragons. They should be too classy. SOUTHS 6
Date: Thursday, 30th July
Venue: Nestrata Jubilee Stadium
Kick-off: 7:50pm
