The South Sydney Rabbitohs are amidst their worst stretch of the season, having lost three of four, and next face the in-form North Queensland Cowboys at Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Accor Stadium
Date: Sunday June 25, 4:05pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Rabbitohs: 1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Richard Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jed Cartwright 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Siliva Havili 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Peter Mamouzelos 20. Jacob Host 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Dean Hawkins
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Jake Granville 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Riley Price 20. Reece Robson 21. Jeremiah Nanai 22. Valentine Holmes 23. Reuben Cotter 24. Murray Taulagi
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Cowboys have beaten the Storm and Panthers either side of a bye but both of those were at home which has helped their cause to play finals football. Whilst some form has returned it will certainly be a tough road trip with the Cowboys holding a disastrous 1-6 record on the road this season.
The Cowboys are coming off an amazing golden point victory in what was one of the contests of the year, while the Bunnies got to enjoy their first week off and have less Origin impact. So much of the Cowboys ability to spring a huge upset in round 17 likely hinges on their Origin continent of Cotter, Holmes, Nanai, Robson and Taulagi backing up.
Drinkwater scored the match winning try last game against Penrith and had two tries in the contest along with seven tackle breaks, continuing his sublime form. Probably the most encouraging performance though was from the returning Jason Taumalolo who was at his destructive best running for almost 200 metres with a line break. Taumalolo’s impact was surprising considering his slow start to the season and long layoff with injury. If he continues that form to finish off the season it will go a long way to helping the Cowboys pack win the forward battle.
The Rabbitohs will still be missing Latrell Mitchell but have named Cody Walker to start. Jed Cartwright replaces Jacob Host in the second row, while Thomas Burgess and Davvy Moale will make their returns via the interchange. If Cook doesn’t back up from Origin the South Sydney spine certainly looks as vulnerable as ever and with Murray nursing a groin injury, he seems a long shot to take the field.
Cody Walker will be the man the home side will again rely on to steer them to victory. Leading the league in try assists and try involvements, he’s surprisingly been able to carry the load despite the consistent absence of Mitchell. It would be a tough bet to wager against the number six with how consistent his season has been as arguably the best five eighth in the competition in 2023.
The Rabbitohs do find themselves in a tricky part of the draw. Injuries and representative duties have started to take a toll and a loss would see them drop out of the top 4 for the first time in months. In a competition where only 1 win separates 4th and 11th placed teams on the ladder, every week is now crucial.
Like many games during the Origin period, there is a lot of unknowns and potential upsets, this matchup is not an exception. Look for the Cowboys to be competitive and be a chance at an upset this weekend, with the end result likely coming down to the performances of each teams key playmakers coupled with who backs up from a bruising State of Origin affair this past Wednesday.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Rabbitohs 7, Cowboys 3.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 4.
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