Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 5 clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
South Sydney Rabbitohs Vs Sydney Roosters
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday 4 April, 8:00pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Tevita Tatola 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Davvy Moale 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Lewis Dodd 21. Salesi Ataata 22. Thomas Fletcher
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Nat Butcher 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Salesi Foketi 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Hugo Savala 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Ethan King 21. Billy Smith 22. Taylor Losalu
Referee: Adam Gee
Bunker: Grant Atkins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
One of the fiercest rivalries in rugby league will be re-ignited on Friday night as the Rabbitohs host the Roosters at Accor Stadium. The Rabbitohs will be riding high after beating the Panthers last Thursday, while the Roosters will be looking for a bounce-back performance after going down 30-12 to the Titans last Friday.
For the Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell has been named to return from a hamstring injury at centre, with the in-form Jye Gray keeping his spot at fullback. Alex Johnston is out with a rib injury and is replaced on the wing by Isaiah Tass. Lachlan Hubner returns from a two-week suspension at lock, with Tallis Duncan moving back to the bench, and Liam LeBlanc dropping to the reserves.
The return of Mitchell is a huge boost for the Rabbitohs. Wayne Bennett has put faith in Gray at fullback, which is hardly a surprise considering the Rabbitohs are 3-1 with Gray at the back, plus he’s leading the Dally M count after four weeks. Latrell will start at left centre where he has played representative football for New South Wales and Australia, so he’s certainly not new to the position. The move may actually see Latrell get back to peak fitness quicker. If Wayne gives him the license to roam, having him and Gray on the field at the same time could spell danger for the Roosters, who have struggled defensively so far this year on their way to a 1-3 start.
For the Roosters, Connor Watson returns at hooker after missing last week with concussion. Zach Dockar-Clay moves to the bench and Hugo Savala drops out of the 17. Victor Radley is out with a cheekbone injury and is replaced at lock by Nat Butcher. Lindsey Collins starts at prop, with Spencer Leniu moving back to the bench. Salesi Foketi also returns from suspension on the bench.
After upsetting the Panthers in round 2, it’s been all downhill for the Roosters since then with two disappointing losses back-to-back. Leading the Titans 12-8 late in the game, and going on to lose by three converted tries, Trent Robinson described parts of his team’s performance last week as “not up to NRL standard”. They have the perfect opportunity to turn that around against their old enemy who they always fire up for. They’ve won their last four matches against the Rabbitohs, so they’ll fancy their chances. While Victor Radley will miss this clash, look for the Roosters forward pack to lead with same aggression he brings to try and swing the game in their favour early.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Rabbitohs by 10 points.
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
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