South Sydney Rabbitohs
20
Match Complete
St. George Illawarra Dragons
16
| 78 |  | C. Norman | ||
| 78 |  | M. Ravalawa | ||
| 74 | | T. Sloan | ||
| 69 | | C. Norman | ||
| 68 | | T. Sloan | ||
| B. Taaffe | | 43 | ||
| T. Milne | | 42 | ||
| C. Graham | | 27 | ||
| C. Graham | | 20 | ||
| B. Taaffe |  | 17 | ||
| L. Ilias | | 6 |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Life without Latrell Mitchell begins for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as Wayne Bennett pulls out a host of other first-choice names for their clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Tune into events from the Sunshine Coast with live scores on The Roar from 7:35pm (AEST).
The Rabbitohs’ immovable position in third for the finals has enabled Bennett to give much of his side a pre-finals bye, with Adam Reynolds, Damien Cook, Dane Gagai, Liam Knight and Tom Burgess joining Mitchell on the sidelines. It says a lot about their depth, and the Dragons’ woes this season, that they are still slight favourites for this match despite those outs.
For those named, though, it’s a chance to cement a spot in the 17 for the finals. The man with the most pressure will undoubtedly be Blake Taaffe, the first-choice replacement at fullback for Mitchell. Having played just four games, it’s a major show of faith from Bennett to give Taaffe the job – but with Alex Johnston and Cody Walker also options to fill the number one role for finals, the youngster will need to put his best foot forward here to be certain of retaining it for finals.
The Dragons head in off the back of a seven-match losing streak, including defeat last week to the equally out of sorts Cowboys. Minus captain Ben Hunt, the bottom has quickly fallen out for Anthony Griffin’s men, and with finals hopes now officially cooked, all they’ve got to play for is pride.
Zac Lomax will miss with a thumb injury in a further blow, while Gerard Beale returns to the starting line-up.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEST)
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium
TV: Channel Nine, Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO
Betting: Rabbitohs $1.69, Dragons $2.16 (odds via PlayUp)
Teams
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Taane Milne, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Peter Mamouzelos, 10. Patrick Mago, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Jacob Host, 13. Mark Nicholls (c)
Bench/Reserves: 14. Dean Hawkins, 15. Tautau Moga, 16. Jed Cartwright, 17. Davvy Moale | 18. Jai Arrow, 19. Cameron Murray, 20. Alex Johnston, 21. Cody Walker
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan, 2. Mat Feagai, 3. Jack Bird, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Talatau Amone, 7. Corey Norman, 8. Blake Lawrie, 9. Jayden Sullivan, 10. Josh McGuire, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Tariq Sims (c), 13. Jack de Belin
Bench/Reserves: 14. Freddy Lussick, 15. Tyrell Fuimaono, 16. Daniel Alvaro, 17. Poasa Faamausili | 18. Jackson Ford, 19. Adam Clune, 20. Cody Ramsey, 21. Kaide Ellis
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Just saw a replay of one of Sloan's tries & it should have been a no try due to a push in the back on a defender as well The bunker had a bad night and must be canned
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I'm a totally unbiased Souths supporter :laughing: and both were tries :laughing: :laughing:
Wayne Turner
Guest
Except I think it was a knock on. Not certain either way,so bunker went with on field decision. While no doubt: Campbell Graham definitely pushed that Dragons player in the back.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Agree Steven, he is talented however not ready for NRL Finals particularly against Cleary’s kicking game.
Andrew
Roar Pro
That’ll do me, only positive is I don’t have to watch Corey Norman or Gerald Beale disgrace the Red V again. See you all in 2022!
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Souths have been short a competent full back for two seasons now.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
We did well but it was against a team resting their best.
Rossi
Roar Rookie
Penrith will rough him up too like the Dragons should have the get go. They'd be better off with Walker at fullback and Benji at 5/8, they actually looked really good with that combo around Origin time
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
DP and the Dragons boys - the only way is up. Go and have a few drinks, and I'll have a few for you as well. Good win Souths; looking good for the finals.
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
Commiserations DP. They looked good when they started playing footy at the end. Hopefully better times in 2022.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
He'll send a few big fellas down that way wearing Rava masks...
Short Memory
Guest
Yep. Result came down to the try allowed after the Campbell Graham push in the back. Get the feeling it could be a controversial finals series.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Well done young Rabbitohs, you future looks bright. Commiserations all you long suffering, nonetheless loyal, Dragons fans. They looked enthusiastic in the last few minutes. Sincere hope that they do a lot better next season & that they don't make the front pages again, between now & then.
steveng
Roar Rookie
The kid is not up to all the wraps he’s gotten and defenatley not up to semi finals footy at NRL level!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
FOOK!!.. Sums up our year and Corey Norman. Well done Souths, Gold Coast Bunny, Steveng, Papa if you are out there and all the rest. What a disaster this year and Griffin have been. I'd look forward to the young fellows next year but not confident Hook can develop them. Cheers to those who have endured my rants and scotch advertisements.. Now the finals come.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Where's the big Fijian off to next year . He's a handful .
John Shaw
Roar Rookie
Ben Hunt has been missed. Hunt, Amone and Sloan will go well together in 2022. I'm already looking forward to it.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Don't forget Souths fair try that was disallowed by the bunker
Wayne Turner
Guest
Norman just summed up his time at the Dragons ???? Dragons left it too late.BUT could have been a different game from that stage,if the bunker didn't stuff up.That bunker error has come into.
Soda
Roar Rookie
Perfect last touch from him.