The NRL heads west to Perth tonight as the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos clash in what should be a terrific contest. Join us for live scores and blog from 9:00pm AEDT.
Both teams will have fond memories of the last time they clashed in Perth last year.
Playing in atrocious wet weather conditions, the Rabbitohs produced one of their tougher performances of season 2011, beating the Broncos 16-12 in a tight contest.
Fast forward into season 2012 and both teams look set to once again play out a real arm wrestle tonight
South Sydney and Brisbane are coming off strong victories against the Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights respectively, with both sides flexing their attacking muscle.
After two tough losses against the Roosters and Storm, South Sydney finally showcased their potential against Penrith last week, cruising to a 40-24 win.
The Broncos meanwhile had to overcome a few errors before putting Newcastle to the sword in a 24-10 victory.
With both sides blessed with terrific attacking players, tonight’s match could end up being one of the matches of the season if both teams bring their A game to the table.
Prediction:
Both sides are evenly matched across the park, with the Rabbitohs and Broncos each possessing strong mobile forwards and a skilful backline.
The Broncos will do well to contain the influence of powerhouse Rabbitohs forwards Sam Burgess and Dave Taylor.
Taylor in particular proved unstoppable against Penrith last week, scoring two tries in a blockbusting performance.
Brisbane however have forward power of their own, with Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire, Ben Te’o and Alex Glenn all skilful enough to create torment up the middle against South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs and Broncos will be desperate to dominate upfront in order to lay a platform for their respective backlines to shine.
South Sydney in particular will be eager to lay a strong foundation for Greg Inglis to replicate last week’s performance against Penrith
Although it proved a long time coming, Inglis’s move to fullback ignited the Rabbitohs attack last week, with the Queensland Origin flyer scoring a great try in the second half.
Inglis’s performance against the Panthers revived memories of his time with Melbourne where he became arguably the NRL’s best player.
If Inglis is able to pick up from where he left off last week, then that spells enormous danger for Brisbane.
The Broncos however can certainly match the Rabbitohs point for point, particularly with a backline containing superstars Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh and Josh Hoffman.
Hodges is currently the danger man for Brisbane, as evidenced by his solo try against Newcastle last week.
One on one, Hodges is a nightmare to defend against so the Rabbitohs will need to stay alert whenever Brisbane’s attack goes down Hodges’s side of the field.
All in all, tonight’s match should be a beauty. While both teams are certainly capable of beating each other, the Rabbitohs seem to be building nicely, and with Inglis finally at fullback, South Sydney might just have enough points in them to beat Brisbane tonight.
Rabbitohs by 4
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Yeah, 15,550, which really isn't bad when the 6pm start on a friday is considered. Apparently filled up a lot as the game went on and people had the chance to arrive after work.
Queensland's Game is Rugby League
Guest
I think the commentators said it was about 15,000 to 15,500.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Honestly, code wars aside, how it is that NRL administrators go to the toilet with Channel 9's arms up their backsides I will never know.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
On the other hand, only 6pm kickoff on a friday night makes it much harder to attend for workers who aren't in the CBD.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
There are peculiarities to nib stadium that mean the crowd is often different to what the broadcast camera would indicate. Even though its standing only the shed soaks up a good thousand by itself for being in cover and the only other roof is on the broadcast-side grandstand. As they reported above, 15,000. To be honest, still a bit disappointed and not sure what the problem was, except to say I don't think the media push was anything like as good as it was last year.
KSI
Guest
Still Daylight Saving. It was designed for a 8pm Kick off in QLD.
Alan
Roar Guru
In a good game of football, Brisbane have emerged with a terrific 20-12 victory. The Rabbitohs were on top of Brisbane in the first half racing to a 12 nil lead. Inglis in particular looked on fire as he set up two tries for Everingham. The Broncos however muscled up in defence and sparkled in attack as they scored 20 unanswered points to register a great victory. Hoffman, Beale, Norman and Wallace were outstanding for Brisbane and they now boast three wins from their opening four matches thus far. The injury to Yow Yeh however will hurt Brisbane's chances of perhaps winning the premiership. The Rabbitohs however have once again fallen short despite racing to a 12 nil lead. They had numerous chances to put Brisbane to bed in the second half but they made too many costly errors near the Broncos tryline. They have once again paid a heavy price. Thanks for joining for this live blog and we look forward to your company tomorrow when NRL live blogging resumes on The Roar. FULLTIME: Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
Just confirming the crowd - Over 15,000 have attended here. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Wallace with a dangerous grubber but it goes dead in-goal. Brisbane however will win this and its three wins from four starts thus far. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Beale defuses a chip from Reynolds and Broncos are now on the attack here. Brisbane looking to finish with a flourish. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - I know its early days but life after Lockyer continues to look rosy for Brisbane. This is a good, hardworking, skillful and discipline side. Broncos work it up to the halfway now. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Great defence again from Brisbane. What courage under pressure. Luke loses possession and the Broncos look destined to win this now. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Rabbitohs with the short kickoff and they regather possession and are on the attack. Brisbane then knock down the football and the Rabbitohs will get a scrum. They need to score here to keep this contest alive. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Wallace with a big conversion and it gives Brisbane an eight point lead now. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 20
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY BRONCOS - Beale scores in the corner and this has been a terrific second half from Brisbane. They have scored 20 unanswered points after the Rabbitohs lead 12 nil early. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 18
p.Tah
Guest
Why is this game on delay? The whole argument for a team in Perth is the time zone for back to back games.
Alan
Roar Guru
VIDEO REFEREE - Beale looks to have scored his second here in the corner as Brisbane do very well to keep the football alive. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 14
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - What a set from Brisbane! Wallace with a great low kick and Everingham is forced back into the in-goal. Rabbitohs under enormous pressure now. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 14
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Broncos with the momentum now. Hunt makes some good yardage up the middle before offloading to Norman. Rabbitohs 12 Broncos 14