The South Sydney Rabbitohs host a Brisbane Broncos outfit looking to get back into the winners’ circle. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).
Despite the fact Souths are in the top eight, they won’t have been overly pleased with the season they have put together so far.
It was a slow start under new coach Anthony Seibold, but in the last fortnight, there have been signs they are starting to gel as a unit. Having Adam Reynolds back from injury has been a major boost, as they went on a two-match winning streak, beating the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders.
While the Roosters didn’t play well and the Raiders were at their unpredictable worst, the Bunnies’ attack has flourished, running up 42 points last week.
Damien Cook out of hooker has been sensational, and with Greg Inglis getting back towards his best, the Rabbitohs have been much-improved.
Another suspension to Sam Burgess might halt their charge though, with the England international out for another fortnight. Their pack have been rolling though, and it’ll be a question of whether they can cover the loss.
Brisbane aren’t heading into this week without issues either. Andrew McCullough has been ruled out after copping a hyperextended elbow last week, and filling the void left by him will be a struggle.
Their run at a potential premiership last year was ruined by the injury to their star hooker, and while this is earlier in the season, Brisbane are already out of the top eight with pressure building on a club demanding success.
They are coming in off a loss to the Storm, who were back at their best. It was tough for Brisbane away from home, but they showed signs of life after an encouraging win over then joint-competition leaders the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland a fortnight ago.
With the last two weeks under their belt, they will be somewhat confident in their ability to pick up a crucial win, but there is plenty to do for a creative spine featuring Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford, Jack Bird and Josh McGuire, later to be Kodi Nikorima.
The Broncos do have a great record over Souths, having won 26 of the 36 games between the clubs and all of the last five.
Prediction
Given their incredible record against the Rabbitohs, as well as the unpredictability of what both sides will dish up, I’m going to go against the grain and take Brisbane in a close, grinding sort of game.
Broncos by 4.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the match from 7:50pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments throughout the course of the coverage.
The Barry
Roar Guru
How is that sentence cocky in the slightest? If you spend too much time blaming other people you destroy accountability. Natures law, not mine. Looks like that’s what happened for the bunny-ohs...knocked over at home by a vastly under strength broncos. “But we didn’t have Sammy. Everyone’s picking on us” This was always going to be a rebuilding season for the Dogs so I’m not fussed about results in the slightest. The funny thing is you and your dopey mate two heads think Souths are genuine contenders....hahahahahaha
steveng
Roar Rookie
HaHaaa TB, i wouldn't be that cocky! The Rabbits are still 6th (or could be 7th, if the Knights win) and the Dogs are on their downwards spiral, they could even be 15th after tonight's game, Well see how they go against the Broncos next week? Maybe 16th?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks fellas, I get em wrong far too often so I'll take the celebration when I get em right!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good pick up Kurt. That's a superb tip a) getting the depleted Broncs and b) the margin Well done Scotty
The Barry
Roar Guru
Damn Josh Morris!
steveng
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't go that far 'PNG Broncos fan88', it was touch and go, the refs gave it as a 'no try' and there wasn't any conclusive evidence that it was grounded. This is and even though, Wayne is whinging and blowing up, you have to take the good with the bad, the Broncs (shouldn't be whinging) as they have had some pretty controversial decisions go their way over the years. But, the Sutton try was a definite 'No Try' and its disgraceful that refs allow such blatant forward passes (which there were a few in this game) go by, what is the bunker for? The bunker is a big big big waste of money!
Bargeall
Guest
Typical - you assume because we bring up ref decisions we are fans of the leading team. I am not a Broncos fan , thanks (raiders) but its not a matter of bias to one team - its about refs trying to get even games for TV esp free to air TV. It could well have been the Broncos storming back and Cumming home with a wet sail. The refs intent was there for all to see.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Should have been 30-14 with the Nikorima disallowed try.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I have to agree with you mate, Brisbane looked like that game was just more important to them (which it probably was realistically), especially in that second half. Hopefully it'll fire them up for next round
steveng
Roar Rookie
Mate, what a joke! All you Broncs fans, have very short memories. Don't start with the stats and with 'Big mick' nonsense 'some of the most blatantly one sided refereeing' blah, blah, as the Broncos (have been propped up by many refereeing decisions) for many many years and have won many games on 'refereeing bias' e.g. and just recently 'Klein's penalty in GP' which was a shocker! Yes, the Broncos deserved to win, Suttons try was 'Miles Forward' and we have no excuses! What more do you want?
steveng
Roar Rookie
That was a very poor effort by the Rabbits, they started like they were on fire and died for most of the second half with mistake riddled plays! The last try by Sutton was miles forward and should have never ever been allowed so, the real score should have been 24-14. They never looked like winning this game. Sam B. would have helped but, I don't think that he would have made much of a difference either! The boys have to have a go for 80 minutes and allot more intensity, if they want to be competitive in this comp and be in the 8.
Big mick
Guest
The most one sided refereeing you will ever see - Cummings has a lot of explaining to do. Bronco's defeated both Rabbits and Cummings - should get double points.
Big mick
Guest
Totally agree. Neither a Rabbit or Bronco supporter , but that was some of the most blatantly one sided refereeing you will ever see. It is almost as if Cummings had some big $$$ on the Bunnies
Kurt S
Roar Pro
He still put a big 'don't argue' on Jimmy the Jet in the second half. Inglis can be quiet in the centres.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
and was that the first clean break Boyd has made this season? In the second half he ran down the left sideline and actually upped his pace for a bit until he was tackled but Walker (I think). I wonder how he will pull up after stretching out. BTW Scott, good call on the result.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Yes Pangai Jr has looked good every time he has been on the field this season. Cody Nikorima should be shadowing him every time the big guy takes a run. Cody will be rewarded. Haas, got straight in to the defense and had no time for nerves. Run straight, hold the ball and tackle hard was the requirement for the young guy and he did just that. Bunnies back line looked good at times and had the Broncos' bunched defense in all sort in the first half. Good win by the Broncs, they are slowly shaking off the 'Uncos' moniker this year.. They are still half a beat off on their backline moves, but the effort and determination is keeping them there or there abouts in the contest.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
If you told me a team with Josh Maguire at Hooker and Jack Bird at hafback was going to win a game scoring 24 points - I would have assumed it was a Q-Cup game and they were coming back from injury or had been dropped for being out on the drink. You shouldn't be losing to that combo in those positions at home! Bad loss for the bunnies.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Steven Dank was spotted in the crowd tonight - true story...
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
You need to remember hes still only 18. Looked like his instructions were simply run straight and hard as well.
Mike
Guest
Based on his performance tonight,Inglis appears to have passed his use by date.