Check out the match preview and prediction for the Round 23 clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Venue: Perth Stadium
Date: Saturday 5 August, 5:35pm AWST 7.35PM AEST
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. Jai Arrow 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Cameron Murray 14. Davvy Moale 15. Siliva Havili 16. Jed Cartwright 17. Tallis Duncan 18. Tyrone Munro 19. Jacob Host 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Peter Mamouzelos 22. Dean Hawkins
Sharks: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Thomas Hazelton 16. Royce Hunt 17. Jesse Colquhoun 18. Matt Moylan 19. Kayal Iro 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Daniel Atkinson
Referee: Todd Smith
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The city of Perth will be buzzing with excitement when Rugby League comes to town, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Perth Stadium on Saturday night.
The sixth-placed Rabbitohs’ previous match against the bottom of the ladder Tigers saw them take home a 32-18 win in Tamworth last weekend.
They have won five of their last seven matches against the Sharks and will be looking to add to this number this weekend. With key players in their starting line-up, this could spell a world of trouble for the Sharks.
Hame Sele and Jacob Host will be missing this week, and Tallis Duncan will be on the bench.
Latrell Mitchell teaming up with Isaiah Tass and Campbell Graham in the centres could prove to be a difficult combination for the Sharks.
Mitchell requires two tries for 100 NRL tries, and his stats could crumble the confidence of any player with 45 goals, 72 tackle breaks, and an average of 125 running metres just this season.
Campbell Graham has scored five tries in five games against the Sharks.
The Rabbitohs’ forward pack presents equally dominant players like Thomas Burgess, combining with Jai Arrow.
Burgess could help the Rabbitohs to victory with 34 tackle breaks, 12.5 average hit-ups, 769.6 post-contact metres, and an average of 139 running metres.
Arrow on the left-side edge will add strength to the team after making 21 tackle breaks, 11.3 average hit-ups, 447.9 post-contact metres, and averaging 118 running metres this season.
The Sharks will hope to find their way back defensively after losing direction in their match against the top-of-the-table Panthers, with a confidence-crushing defeat of 28-0.
The Sharks will see a reshuffle after Will Kennedy suffered a hamstring injury, and Connor Tracey will replace him.
This week will see Ronaldo Mulitalo, Siosifa Talakai, and Jesse Colquhoun returning to the lineup.
Mulitalo’s stats demonstrate his untouchable force with 25 line breaks, 46 tackle breaks, 71 defensive tackles made, and an average of 133 running metres. Known to be a try-scoring weapon, he plays with energy and passion and could be a saviour for the Sharks on the outside edge.
With the combination of Nicho Hynes, Jesse Ramien in the centres, and Mulitalo on the wing, it could put much-needed points on the scoreboard.
Hynes rivals Mitchell in stats with 66 goals, 423.7 average kicking metres, 20 try assists, 27 line break assists, and an average of 144 running metres.
Ramien has made 52 tackle breaks and brings his running game for the Sharks with an average of 138 running metres.
Captain Wade Graham could provide the guidance to help lead his team to get the job done in the forward pack with 255 defensive tackles made just this season.
Teaming up with Toby Rudolf who has made 16 tackle breaks, 367.5 post-contact metres, and an average of 108 running metres.
This weekend could either see a game that was over before it even began or a battle to the very end.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Rabbitohs 6, Sharks 4
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Rabbitohs by 6 points.
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