Rabbitohs
32
Match Complete
Wests Tigers
16
| D. Gagai |  | 67 | ||
| C. Murray |  | 66 | ||
| 48 | | B. Marshall | ||
| D. Gagai | | 46 | ||
| L. Knight | | 45 | ||
| D. Gagai | | 36 | ||
| D. Cook | | 35 | ||
| 29 | | E. Marsters | ||
| 28 | | E. Marsters | ||
| 22 | | E. Marsters | ||
| 21 | | C. Thompson | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 16 | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 15 | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 14 | ||
| C. Murray | | 13 | ||
| A. Reynolds |  | 8 |
| 5 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The red-hot Rabbitohs come into this game chasing their seventh straight win after defeating fellow competition heavyweights the Raiders in Canberra last week 16-12. They will face a Wests Tigers side coming off a cruel defeat at the hands of Melbourne, who scored a try in the 77th minute to win 24-22. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:35pm AEST.
The Tigers showed in this game they have what it takes to compete with the top sides, yet at the same time, maybe what they lack is that extra touch of class to finish off big games against top-level opposition. It may be a case of more of the same against truly elite opponents like the Rabbitohs.
Tigers coach Michael McGuire has made one change to his side, with Paul Momirovski coming into the side at centre, with Robert Jennings moving out to the wing and Mahe Fonua dropping out of the side altogether. The Rabbitohs have made no changes to the side that defeated the Raiders last week.
With Origin sides to be named at the conclusion of the round there will be plenty of players wanting to put in a good performance and ensure their names are read out by either Brad Fittler or Kevin Walters.
The Souths halves in particular have been in outstanding form. While it’s expected that Fittler will pick the commentator’s nightmare combination of Keary and Cleary, a big performance from either Walker or Reynolds could catapult either of them into the side, most likely at the expense of Cleary who has been woefully out of form in 2019.
Prediction
It’d be crazy to tip against the Rabbitohs in this one. It’s very difficult to keep winning in the NRL, and seven games is a huge streak. But the way they’re going at the moment, it’s even more difficult to picture them losing.
There are several interesting individual battles in this game, including Robbie Farah up against his former apprentice Damien Cook, Luke Brooks versus Adam Reynolds and the veteran Benji Marshall up against the magician Cody Walker.
The Tigers are certainly capable of pulling off an upset. As seen above, they have some very capable players in key positions to match up against the Rabbitohs’ playmakers. In their favour is the fact that the Rabbitohs could be quite fatigued after their brutal encounter with the Raiders.
However it’ll be hard for the Tigers to overcome the heartbreaking loss against Melbourne last week, especially against a side as good as Souths. It’ll be close, but it’ll be the Rabbitohs winning in the end.
Rabbitohs by 4
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:35pm AEST.
Where: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
When: 7:35pm
Streaming: NRL Digital Pass, Kayo Sports
TV: Fox League
Rabbitohs
1. Corey Allen 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Ethan Lowe 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 Interchange: 14. Tevita Tatola 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Dean Britt 17. Liam Knight Reserves: 18. Jacob Gagan 19. Billy Brittain 20. Bayley Sironen
Tigers
1. Moses Mbye 2. Robert Jennings 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Esan Marsters 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ben Matulino 9. Robbie Farah 10. Alex Twal 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Chris McQueen 13. Matt Eisenhuth Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Michael Chee-Kam Reserves: 18. David Nofoaluma 19. Elijah Taylor 20. Oliver Clark 21. Luke Garner
Rod
Guest
There are positives about Souths this year , the fact we are still one leading point scores with out GI . Shows how far the side has progressed under Bennett . Our defence has really improved on last year . I agree re Chricton to be honest I thought he played tough last year , but he probably didn’t reach the heights of the previous year personally . This year I think he really would have benefits from the combo with Cook . That being said I reckon putting Sam in that edge will extend his career by 2-3 years . He was wasted as a battering ram. Still think we need to find another quality back before June 30, just for depth alone
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Quite right. On some of Sam's recent performances he was as much a liability as he was an assett for the team. But his go forward and his steel in defence is invaluable to the side. If Reynolds took the line on and ran the ball more, like last night, and his conversions and long kicking game were more consistent he would be in the top 3 for sure. Before the season started I said Cam Murray would be picked for NSW ahead of Angus Crichton and so far that looks to be the case. At least in terms if players that have already been pencilled in. So far the 3 NSW selectors (Fittler, Alexander and Buderus) have waxed lyrical about both Murray and Cook along with Mitchell and Tedesco and have talked about few other players as consistently and by name, perhaps along with Cody Walker. So far, I haven't heard Crichton's name mentioned once by any if them. The Roosters have destroyed Crichton's career. He was on track to play for Australia when he was with Souths. Fingers crossed Connor Tracey gets picked to replace Reynolds and if (when) Cody Walker is selected for NSW John Sutton can go back to 5/8 for the Origin period.
Rod
Guest
If we didn’t have golden lucky dip , we would be undefeated thus far . That must bring a smile to your face!
Rod
Guest
I’d argue that Murray is in our top 4 best players . In fact I would say there is a split hair between he and Sam
Insider
Roar Rookie
It’s quite obvious Choo Choo is unable to join us as his written is frozen in time. That or he hides in the shadows waiting for full time. Full camouflage just like his bestie Danielle
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I don't know about that but I have already said, that despite his white hot form with the ball in hand, Cody Walker was always a liability in defence and will be tested time and again at Origin level IF he is selected. For Souths sake I hope he isn't.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Hahaa your just jealous that we have the balance and the diet lol
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Like the Broncos "Away" game to the Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium? ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Talk about "the commentators curse!" Reynolds may have a fractured leg or a medial ligament issue. Either way he is out of Origin and sidelined for the foreseeable future. Nice one Daniel! ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
You're right. Sam was out of line and his lack of self-discipline and control proves yet again he isn't suitable to be captain. John Sutton should be captain until Sam completes a course in "anger management". I love BIG Sam though but he can't keep having toddler tantrums.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Corey Thompson was the best on the field for the Tigers tonight and should be the Tigers FB going forward. Thompson has a heart the size of Phar Lap. Unfortunately, he has a body the size of "mini-me" from Austin Powers or Tyrion Lannister from GoT so he is WAY too small for Origin but he would fit into Reggie Rabbit's suit no problems. LOL
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Walker's ON! Walker's ON! Bahahahahahaha
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Then have a laugh and go bowling with Barney instead of putting yourself through it.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
In 60 metres of football? What about the other 40 metres?
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Clearly they are. Like you kept telling me offline, Wayne Bennett is a master coach who will deliver Souths their 22nd premiership. That IS what you said. But then again, you also said that Cooper Cronk was coming to the Rabbitohs 100%, not the Roosters! LOL
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
After losses to two of the top 4 sides (including the Roosters) so far this round, finally the Monty Python "Killer Rabbits" restore the balance to the force! ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Throw a black hooded cloak over Bennett and he looks like the Emperor, Darth Sidious! LOL Glory, glory to South Sydney! We will turn you as well db. Give us time, resistance is futile. Wait, wrong franchise. LOL ;-)
db
Guest
With every passing week, Wayne Bennett looks more like a Sith Lord.
Big Daddy
Guest
One win between 4th and 10th. Really starting to open up final 8.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
It must be the "Bennett factor". Don't complain, Souths just did you a favour beating the Tigers. Right now Manly could be 7th instead of 6th after losing to the 16th placed Titans. Perhaps you should concentrate your focus on your own team instead of mine. They are the ones that are clearly more in need of attention. After all, if the Titans beat Manly with a full team then the Sea Eagles have some tough games coming up... the Cowboys, the Dragons and the Titans again before they take on the competition leaders, the Rabbitohs who will be out to settle old accounts.