Todd Warren previews Rabbitohs vs Titans with both teams desperate to get away from the bottom four.
FORM LINE
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Souths are struggling having lost three in a row, and are currently sitting in thirteenth on the ladder. They showed some good signs last week but still have a lot of work to do if they’re to finish in the top four as many predicted in the pre season.
Gold Coast Titans
Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime for Titans fans, they broke through for a win. Their win against the Tigers was the first victory since they beat the Broncos in round thirteen last year. They’ll be trying to use that confidence boost to back it up again against the Rabbitohs.
SQUAD NEWS
South Sydney Rabbitohs
A big boost for Souths with James Roberts and Cody Walker named to return to the side, with Troy Dargan and Braidon Burns dropping out. Cameron Murray moves back into the middle of the park, Ethan Lowe moving to the edge and Liam Knight on the bench. Mark Nicholls and Keaon Koloamatangi are out of the 17, replaced by Patrick Mago and Bayley Sironen. Latrell Mitchell looked good against the Storm with ten tackle busts, no missed tackles, a try assist and two line break assists.
Souths squad: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Dane Gagai 3. Campbell Graham 4. James Roberts 5. Alex Johnston 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Cameron Murray 14. Liam Knight 15. Patrick Mago 16. Tom Amone 17. Bayley Sironen 18. Mark Nicholls 19. Bryson Goodwin 20. Braidon Burns 21. Keaon Koloamatangi.
Gold Coast Titans
Justin Holbrook last week shook things up with a new look side and it paid off with a much needed win. Young Tonumaipea holds the centre position after a solid club debut, so does Erin Clark as the starting hooker. Ash Taylor had a good game against the Tigers and the five-eighth role looks like it suits him better. Tyrone Roberts is named on an extended bench and may cause a backline reshuffle in he comes back into the 17.
Titans squad: 1. Phillip Sami 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Brian Kelly 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Erin Clark 10. Sam Lisone 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Keegan Hipgrave 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Jarrod Wallace 19. Jai Whitbread 20. Beau Fermor 21. Tyrone Roberts.
KEY STAT
Souths have won the last three matchups, the Titans having only beaten Souths three times since 2011. Their last victory against the Rabbitohs coming in Sydney in 2014.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Jai Arrow vs Cameron Murray
This looks to be the best positional match-up for a few reasons. Both these guys are the leaders of their forward packs and we might see some Origin collisions a bit early. Jai Arrow moving to Souths next year raises questions about where he will fit into the lineup. Arrow usually plays at lock and Murray prefers wearing number thirteen as well. Murray has been starting on an edge but has been named at lock this week after the underwhelming results from Souths to restart the season.
GAME DETAILS
The Titans looked so happy to finally get the W last week. It’s been a rough few years for so getting the win has to feel like a massive load off the shoulders of the players. That confidence will go a long way for them and I’m actually tipping an upset here. Big call I know, but Titans by 6.
Date: Saturday June 13
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
