Josh Mercer previews round 24 clash between traditional rivals the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. This is what we have to look forward to.
TEAM NEWS
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Date: Friday, August 27th, Time: 7:55 pm
Roosters Team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Lachlan Lam
4. Joseph Manu
5. Brad Abbey
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Sam Verrills
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Egan Butcher
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Isaac Liu
14. Ben Marschke
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Fletcher Baker
17. Ben Thomas
18. Moala Graham-Taufa
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
20. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
21.
Team Changes
IN: Ben Marschke, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Naufahu Whyte, Tuku Hau Tapuha.
OUT: Adam Keighran, Dale Copley, Nat Butcher.
Rabbitohs Team
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnson
3. Dane Gagai
4. Campbell Graham
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Cody Walker
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Mark Nicholls
9. Damien Cook
10. Thomas Burgess
11. Jaydn Su’A
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray
14. Benji Marshall
15. Jacob Host
16. Tevita Tatola
17. Hame Sele
18. Liam Knight
19. Blake Taaffe
20. Peter Mamouzelos
21. Taane Milne
Team Changes
IN: Jaxson Paulo, Jaydn Su’A, Liam Knight, Peter Mamouzelos, Taane Milne.
OUT: Josh Mansour, Keaon Koloamatangi.
Referee: Ashley Klein
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter having a forgettable match against the Broncos the week before, the Roosters put together a masterful performance to beat the Dragons 40-22. Much like their game against the Panthers, the Dragons started off well but couldn’t cross the try line. The Roosters got off to a 14-0 lead with tries to Egan Butcher, Dale Copley, and Sitili Tupounia, with goal kicking being the Roosters’ Achilles Heel as Adam Keighran went off after a heavy knock and failing his HIA. The Dragons mounted a comeback, being only four points behind at halftime, then taking the lead to start off the second half. The lead would be short-lived however, as the Roosters produced a comeback – even with players getting injured – to rush out to a 36-16 lead. Dragons replacement hooker Jayden Sullivan scored a consolation try in the 75th minute before Daniel Tupou scored his third try to finish off the game.
Rabbitohs
Embed from Getty ImagesLooking to avenge their 44-point loss to the Panthers in round 11, it wasn’t to be for Souths as the Panthers ran out winners 25-12. It looked like it was going to the Rabbitohs were going to get the win as they outplayed the Panthers in the early stages, racing out to a 12-0 lead through tries to Dane Gagai and Latrell Mitchell. Nathan Cleary and Stephen Crichton got the Panthers back into the game, and the Rabbitohs were only leading 12-10 at halftime. The second half was all Panthers as Cleary and co put on an absolute masterclass to win the game.
PREVIEW
This game could be very very ugly for the Roosters, they have a massive injury list and more troops went down against the Dragons. What the Roosters need to do is not panic, stick to the basics and defend, defend, and defend some more. It’s going to be a big ask for them to win this game but if they stick to basics and not try anything too crazy then they have a fighting chance, probably not of winning the game but of at least making the scoreline decent and not a massacre.
After their disappointing loss to Panthers last week the Rabbitohs will be out for blood, and for them there is no better prey than the wounded Roosters. The Rabbitohs have the one of the best, if not the best spines, in the competition and if they get going the Rabbitohs will repeat last year’s game and put 60 points on the Roosters.
KEY STAT
In 2021 the Rabbitohs have conceded 425 points while the Roosters have conceded 419.
PREDICTION
Rabbitohs by 26.
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