Josh Mercer previews the Saturday afternoon clash between the Rabbitohs and the Tigers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Wests Tigers
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Saturday, May 13, 3:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jai Arrow 15. Jed Cartwright 16. Liam Knight 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Blake Taaffe 19. Richard Kennar 20. Peter Mamouzelos 21. Ben Lovett 22. Dean Hawkins
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Justin Matamua 20. Shawn Blore 21. Daine Laurie 22. Triston Reilly
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
They lost their first eight games of the season, but the Tigers have won their last two games after claiming the scalp of the Dragons at Magic Round.
There was no doubt that they would have some confidence after knocking over the Panthers the week before, and it was the perfect time to strike against a hapless Dragons outfit.
The Tigers’ big signings, Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i, led from the front. Koroisau’s 40/20 was just magic and showed what happens when a team’s fortunes turn around. Jahream Bula also had some good touches in the win, setting up a try and saving one at the end of the game.
Right now, the Rabbitohs are a scary prospect. All their big guns keep putting it together each week, and they are playing champagne rugby league.
Latrell Mitchell is in fine form, setting up tries with deft kicks. Cody Walker is doing the same: whether it’s putting a rampaging second rower through a gap or kicking for his outside men, he is playing good football.
The Tigers must try and get Mitchell and Walker off their game. Both players don’t respond well to a bit of niggle, and that’s what needs to be done if they are any hope of winning this game. Koroisau and Papali’i need to drill into their young players not to stand back and let them run riot. Otherwise, they will return to where they were at the start of the season.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Rabbitohs 7, Tigers 3.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Rabbitohs by 18.
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