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The South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium in Round 12 of the NRL. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEST.
At the start of the season, many saw the Rabbitohs as premiership favourites. However, in what can only be described as a major recruitment blunder, at least in hindsight, the loss of Adam Reynolds has seemingly derailed their season.
The 32-12 loss to the Raiders last weekend could well be the low point of the season so far. The error count was horrendous, with their marquee players playing well below their price tag.
These same players, Damien Cook, Cody Walker and Jai Arrow, need to produce their best this week. Walker always seems to produce his best for Indigenous Round and he gets a further opportunity here.
In a big in for the Rabbitohs, Cameron Murray is listed in the reserves and looks a big chance to return. Prop Mark Nicholls returns from injury on the bench, with Trent Peoples missing out on a spot in the 17.
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The Tigers notched their third win of the season last weekend, comfortably beating the Bulldogs 36-22. After a horrid start to the season, the Tigers are off the bottom of the table and looking to beat the Rabbitohs for the second time this season.
Jackson Hastings has taken all the pressure off Luke Brooks and has turned this team around. They haven’t got the roster to make the top 8, but you know 100% effort will be there every weekend.
After a month out, Daine Laurie returns at fullback, with Luke Brooks also coming back from injury. Starford To’A moves from fullback to centre with Tyrone Peachey and Josh Madden missing out on selection. Asu Kepaoa and Jake Simpkin both return for the Tigers.
Prediction
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Although South Sydney still cling onto a place in the 8, they have a number of teams breathing down their neck and Origin just around the corner.
They will be hurting after the loss last weekend and one suspects a bit of soul searching was done.
I expect the Rabbits to bounce back.
South Sydney Rabbitohs by 14.
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Game information
Kick-off: 5:30pm AEST Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney TV/Stream:Kayo Sports, Foxtel Odds: Rabbitohs $1.44, Tigers $2.80 – odds via PlayUp
South Sydney
1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Hame Sele
