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The Roosters move into first place and are in with a chance to claim the minor premiership with an 18-22 win against the Rabbitohs. Manly can still move into first place with a win on Saturday.
Souths finished the game strongly, scoring three consecutive tries and threatening to steal the match.
The Rabbitohs really missed Adam Reynolds and may have won the match had he played.
John Sutton looked like a player that hadn’t played in six weeks. He struggled for any fluidity and often stalled his side’s attack.
Luke Keary looks a lot more confident and relaxed with Reynolds in the side but Keary’s running game did challenge the Roosters’ line.
Mitchell Pearce had perhaps his best game of the season. His kicking game was spot on, he supported well and challenged the line.
His man of the match award was appropriate. It will be an interesting matchup next week should these two sides meet again. While the Roosters won, Souths will take plenty of confidence from the way they rallied late in the match.
Throw in Adam Reynolds and we could see a very expansive game next week.
FINAL SCORE
Rabbitohs 18
Roosters 22
The Sydney Roosters face the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a blockbuster Thursday night NRL clash which could see either team take out the minor premiership. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).
The Roosters were last-start winners over the Melbourne Storm in a close match, while Souths defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs in a spiteful clash.
Souths will be without halfback Adam Reynolds after he accepted a one-match ban for a dangerous throw. He’s replaced by Luke Keary, with John Sutton returning from injury at five-eighth.
Issac Luke has successfully challenged his dangerous contact charge and will be free to play in a massive boost for the Rabbitohs.
Jake Friend has been ruled out for the Roosters after he was hospitalised with hemothorax.
Mitchell Aubusson moves into hooker and Heath L’Estrange makes his return on the bench.
The major challenge for the Rabbitohs will be how they cope with the loss of their little general Reynolds, who has had a strong season and was particularly effective against the Bulldogs with the boot.
The Roosters will miss Friend. He’s been one of the form hookers this season and his service from dummy-half has been fantastic.
The battle of the forward packs will be big. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sonny Bill Williams up against the Burgess brothers will provide plenty of entertainment.
The side that copes the best with the loss of their key player will likely win.
Top spot will be front and centre in the minds of all players tonight. With Manly facing a tough road-trip to face the Cowboys on Saturday night, the winner of this match is guaranteed second spot, with the potential to sneak to first due to both sides’ superior for and against records.
Whenever two premiership contenders face off, it is a recipe for high quality footy. Tonight’s match should be no exception.
Prediction
Roosters by 6.
Join The Roar live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
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