Josh Mercer previews the final round clash between traditional rivals South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs seemed a bit out of sorts against the last placed Bulldogs, finding themselves down 20-0 early. They did claw their way back into the game, however it wasn’t enough to get the win. Jed Cartwright was one of the shining lights for the Rabbitohs in the loss, as well as Jadyn Su’A.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters, resting key players like James Tedesco and Siosiua Taukeiaho, were at their best once again against the Sharks. The Sharks were able to to keep pace with the Roosters early, but were ultimately overrun in the end: losing their halfback Shaun Johnson to an Achilles injury didn’t help their cause. Joey Manu and Luke Keary starred for the Roosters along with their highest-capped player, Mitch Aubusson, who scored a double in game 303.
SQUAD NEWS
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Jed Cartwright moves into the second row for Jaydn Su’A, while Dane Gagai will move into the centres for Steven Marsters.
1. Corey Allan 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. Dane Gagai 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Liam Knight 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jed Cartwright 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Cameron Murray 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Hame Sele 16. Patrick Mago 17. Keaon Koloamatangi 18. Tevita Tatola 19. Jack Johns 20. Troy Dargan 21. Cory Denniss.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters this week will be without Lindsay Collins, Joey Manu, Issac Liu and Drew Hutchison. Boyd Cordner has been named but may not play.
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Mitchell Aubusson 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Angus Crichton 14. Lachlan Lam 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Nat Butcher 17. Sonny Bill Williams 18. Matt Ikuvalu 19. Daniel Fifita 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Ryan Hall.
KEY STAT
Not including finals, it has been three years since the Roosters have beaten the Rabbitohs twice in a season.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Cody Walker vs Luke Keary
The battle between the two most important men on the field, Luke Keary and Cody Walker, will be entertaining. Keary has been magnificent the last few weeks as the Roosters search for a premiership three-peat. Though he was quiet last week, Walker has been one of the Rabbitohs’ best, but will need to step up this week if they are to win.
GAME DETAILS
Roosters by 10.
Date: Friday, September 25th.
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney.
Kick-off: 7:55pm
