NRL, ROUND 24, AUGUST 12th, 2023 SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA
BARLOW PARK,CAIRNS
As the NRL action unfolds in Round 24, all eyes turn to Barlow Park in Cairns, where the South Sydney Rabbitohs are poised to take on the St. George Illawarra Dragons on August 12th, 2023. With both teams determined to make their mark, the field is set for an intense clash that promises to keep fans at the edge of their seats.
Preview
In a critical juncture of the season, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are in the spotlight following a surprising defeat in their previous outing. On the flip side, the St. George Illawarra Dragons, currently positioned second to last, are eager to embrace the role of a potential spoiler. The stage is set for a gripping encounter in Cairns.
The Rabbitohs have experienced a rollercoaster ride, with seven losses in their last ten games. Their last match in Perth saw them rallying late after falling behind 26-0 against Cronulla. A depleted Sharks backline exposed vulnerabilities in the Rabbitohs’ defense, leaving them hanging onto the eighth spot based on for-and-against statistics.
Team adjustments are in order for both sides. The Rabbitohs have lost Thomas Burgess to suspension, paving the way for Shaquai Mitchell to step into the starting lineup as a prop. Jacob Host takes the second-row position, while Taane Milne returns to the wing.
The Rabbitohs’ lineup for the match boasts names like:
- Latrell Mitchell
- Alex Johnston
- Isaiah Tass
- Campbell Graham
- Taane Milne
- Cody Walker
- Lachlan Ilias
- Jai Arrow
- Damien Cook
- Shaquai Mitchell
- Keaon Koloamatangi
- Jacob Host
- Cameron Murray
- Tallis Duncan
- Jed Cartwright
- Siliva Havili
- Davvy Moale
- Ben Lovett
- Tyrone Munro
- Peter Mamouzelos
- Daniel Suluka-Fifita
- Dean Hawkins
On the flip side, the St. George Illawarra Dragons have won only five games throughout the year. Their recent record of narrow losses to formidable teams indicates their resilience and determination. The likes of Mikaele Ravalawa, Ben Hunt, and Tyrell Sloan have been pivotal in sparking their backline.
The Dragons’ lineup includes:
- Tyrell Sloan
- Mathew Feagai
- Moses Suli
- Max Feagai
- Mikaele Ravalawa
- Talatau Amone
- Ben Hunt
- Michael Molo
- Jacob Liddle
- Blake Lawrie
- Billy Burns
- Dan Russell
- Ben Murdoch-Masila
- Connor Muhleisen
- Ryan Couchman
- Toby Couchman
- Zane Musgrove
- Jaiyden Hunt
- Sione Finau
- Nick Lui-Toso
- Paul Turner
- Tautau Moga
Key Moments and Prediction
While history had favored the Rabbitohs, with eight consecutive wins, the Dragons managed to turn the tables, securing victory in their last two encounters, including a 36-30 result in Round 15.
As the referees, Ben Cummins, along with sideline officials Michael Wise and Jarrod Cole, prepare to oversee the game, excitement mounts.
Prediction
The 2023 season has brought its share of twists for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Once sitting atop the table after Round 11, their journey has taken an unexpected turn. Nonetheless, their lineup boasts exceptional talent in the form of Mitchell, Walker, and more. With their finals aspirations at stake, their urgency could prove the deciding factor. This time, the prediction leans toward the Rabbitohs with a comfortable margin, possibly exceeding 13 points.
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