Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 12 clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Parramatta Eels.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Parramatta Eels
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Saturday 25 May, 7:35pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Michael Chee Kam, 5. Jacob Gagai, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Cody Walker, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Sean Keppie, 11. Jacob Host, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Keaon Koloamatangi, 14. Peter Mamouzelos, 15. Tallis Duncan, 16. Siliva Havili, 17. Thomas Burgess, 18. Dion Teaupa, 19. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson, 20. Matthew French, 21. Adam Christensen, 22. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Eels:1. Blaize Talagi, 2. Maika Sivo, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Daejarn Asi, 7. Dylan Brown, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Ryan Matterson, 13. J’maine Hopgood, 14. Bryce Cartwright, 15. Makahesi Makatoa, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Kelma Tuilagi, 18. Brendan Hands, 19. Morgan Harper, 20. Ethan Sanders, 21. Wiremu Greig, 22. Luca Moretti
Referee: Chris Butler
Bunker: Wyatt Raymond
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
When the 17th-placed South Sydney Rabbitohs face the Parramatta Eels in Indigenous round on Saturday night at Accor Stadium, they may face another difficult challenge in navigating their way back to a successful season.
The Rabbitohs have not won against the Eels since round 22 in 2022 when they won 26-0.
They have had a soul crushing season, remaining at the bottom of the ladder, and losing their last three matches at Accor Stadium.
However, last weekend’s match against the Cowboys appeared to be a positive turning point for the Rabbitohs. It was a hard-fought battle, with the Rabbitohs refusing to give up when conditions became difficult. They fought until the end, but it was the gaps in their defence and a series of simple mistakes that resulted in a 28-22 loss to the Cowboys.
The Rabbitohs have demonstrated that they have what it takes; all they need now is more guidance, and the reshuffle in their lineup this weekend could prove beneficial.
The restructured lineup will see Jack Wighton move to five-eighth and Cody Walker to halfback. An intriguing shift which could indicate how well the team is guided in its play.
Latrell Mitchell led the Rabbitohs in points scored last weekend and will look to make an impression again this weekend alongside Walker, Alex Johnston, and Damien Cook.
Johnston is a force on the outside edge, having scored nine tries in his last four games. Cook will also be eager to demonstrate his abilities this week as he competes for a spot in the Origin squad.
A reshuffled forward pack will see Jacob Host return from illness, while Taane Milne has moved to the centres. Milne has an impressive average running distance of 136 metres, which could provide the necessary speed through the centre. Combining with Keon Koloamatangi’s unwavering strength. His statistics are intimidating: 93.4% tackle efficiency and an average running distance of 129 metres.
Interim coach Ben Hornsby was pleased with their performance against the Cowboys, noting an improvement in set completions, completing 34 of 41 sets with an 82% completion rate.
The last time the Rabbitohs and Eels met back in round 12 in 2023, the Eels convincingly won 36-16. Although, the Eels have not beaten the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium since 2017.
Coming off four consecutive losses, including a crushing defeat to the Storm last weekend, 48-16. The Eels will need to find their form against the Rabbitohs, who are desperate for a victory.
With the recent, unexpected departure of their coach Brad Arthur, the Eels will enter this game under the guidance of interim coach Trent Barrett. This could provide the motivating factor the team requires, a fresh perspective, which could have a positive impact on the team’s performance.
Ryan Matterson returns to the Eels lineup for this match, while Bryce Cartwright has been relegated to the bench and Luca Moretti has been dropped to the reserves. The Eels have struggled without Mitch Moses, who has been out with a foot injury since round 3. He was expected back this weekend but remains sidelined for another match.
Maiko Sivo, Will Penisini, Dylan Brown, Blaize Talagi, and Junior Paulo form a formidable back line and forward pack for the Eels.
Talagi, a young up-and-coming player, made headlines last weekend for an impressive performance in which he outran and outwitted the Storm players to get in for a try. He could pose an additional problem for the Eels.
Paulo is another difficult player to tackle and an intimidating force who could easily halt the Rabbitohs’ progress to victory. The stats are impressive, with 411.1 post contact metres, an average of 9.7 hit-ups, a tackle efficiency of 93.6, and an average running distance of 110 metres.
This weekend will be a test of endurance and strength between two teams determined to maintain their pride by giving their all as they fight their way to victory.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Rabbitohs by 6 points.
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