The annual Good Friday game will once again take place as the high flying Rabbitohs look to make it four consecutive wins against the Bulldogs.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Dragons demolished the Bulldogs last Sunday to the tune of 36 points to further propel them down the ladder. Languishing in last place after five competition rounds, the Bulldogs understand this Friday is nearly a must win if they want to play finals football.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
After suffering their first loss of the season to the Sea Eagles in round four, the Bunnies bounced back with a gritty 28-24 victory over the Warriors. Five-eighth Cody Walker produced the best game of his career with four tries to lead his team to a comeback victory in the last 20 minutes.
SQUAD NEWS
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Only one change to the side that was soundly beaten by the Dragons last start. Forward Sauaso Sue has been suspended for one week so Danny Fualalo comes onto the bench.
Bulldogs 21-man squad: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Kerrod Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Reimis Smith 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Ofahiki Ogden 11. Josh Jackson 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Rhyse Martin 14. Michael Lichaa 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Chris Smith 19. Christian Crichton 20. Marcelo Montoya 21. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 22. Fa’amanu Brown.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
One change with George Burgess replacing Tevita Tatola in the starting line up. Kyle Turner keeps his spot in the centres after performing well last week.
Souths 21-man squad: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Corey Allan 3. Kyle Turner 4. Dane Gagai 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray 14. Tevita Tatola 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ethan Lowe 17. Liam Knight 18. Connor Tracey 19. Bayley Sironen 20. Rhys Kennedy 21. Jacob Gagan.
HEAD TO HEAD
These historic clubs have played each other 36 times since 1998, with the Bulldogs holding the upper hand 21-14 with one draw. Souths have won the last three encounters including last year’s Good Friday thriller 20-16.
KEY BATTLE
The battle of the halfbacks will be a key factor in who takes home the two competition points. Souths halfback Adam Reynolds bounced back to form last week after a below par effort against Manly; his partnership with Walker is becoming one of the best in the NRL. Lachlan Lewis is a fresh face in the competition and ranks as one of the game’s most promising playmakers. Lewis’ kicking game is underrated too and has the nick to put the opposition on the back foot early in their attacking sets.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 19th April
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Kick-off: 4.05pm (local)
Referee: Henry Perenara and Tim Roby
WHO WILL WIN?
Souths will ultimately prove too strong for the Bulldogs, as their forwards will have their way with their less-experienced counterparts. Look for Sam Burgess to continue his great start to the season with his combination with Walker very dangerous.
Souths by 12
