Brad Inger previews the round 6 clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs had a strong first half against a spirited Gold Coast Titans, running away with a 26-6 lead at halftime but a lacklustre second half saw the try-scoring slow down with the Rabbitohs ending the match with a 32-12 victory. Rabbitoh fans will be hoping that the side will bring an 80-minute performance this week in what should be a tougher challenge.
New Zealand Warriors
Questions were asked of the Warriors attack, and they responded by scoring seven tries in an impressive 37-26 win over the North Queensland Cowboys. It was a step in the right direction, and the Warriors will need more of the same if they want to keep themselves in the winner’s circle.
SQUAD NEWS
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs have retained the side from last weeks win with James Roberts named on the extended bench as a possible late inclusion to the gameday 17.
1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Campbell Graham, 4. Braidon Burns, 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. Corey Allan, 20. James Roberts, 21. Keaon Koloamatangi
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors have also kept the same side that won last week with the only notable change being David Fusitu’a’s inclusion on the extended bench.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Patrick Herbert, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Adam Pompey, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Blake Green, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Lachlan Burr, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Adam Blair, 14. Karl Lawton, 15. Poasa Faamausili, 16. King Vuniyayawa, 17. Jack Murchie, 18. David Fusitu’a, 20. Agnatius Paasi, 21. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 22. Isaiah Papali’i
KEY STAT
In head to head clashes, these teams are almost even with the Warriors just getting the edge with 17 wins compared to the Rabbitohs 16.
BATTLE TO WATCH
My Battle to watch is between Latrell Mitchell and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Latrell Mitchell joined the Rabbitohs with plenty of expectation, and after a slow start, he has really started to find some form. The Rabbitohs will want Mitchell to involve himself heavily in the attack targeting the Warriors sometimes inconsistent defence.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a strong match against the Cowboys, and you can expect to see the Warriors skipper ready to break into open space, running off the shoulders of his forward pack that is starting to find some form
GAME DETAILS
Both sides showed last week that they know how to attack, so we should be in for an exciting match. Defence is going to be vital, and I think the Rabbitohs have the edge here with the Warriors prone to missing tackles. If the Rabbitohs can force the Warriors to make defensive misreads, then they should be able to leave Bankwest Stadium with a narrow victory.
Date: 19th June
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 6:00 PM (8:00 PM NZ Time)
Prediction: Rabbitohs by 10
