NRL, ROUND 5, NZ WARRIORS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITS

Rugby League

SATURDAY APRIL 6th 2024 ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY

Rabbitohs vs. Warriors: Battling the Elements at Accor Stadium

Sydney is preparing for turbulent weather throughout the weekend, and considering the nature of these two teams, scoring opportunities are likely to be scarce in this match. With wet and wild weather predicted, this could turn into a slugfest.

Rabbitohs Host Warriors in Crucial Matchup

Continuing to face pressure to deliver results, the Rabbitohs host the Warriors at Accor Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Rabbitohs’ Quest for Form

Souths went 0-3 to start the season before limping over the line against the Bulldogs on Good Friday, holding on for a 20-16 victory.

Nevertheless, their performance fell short of convincing, far from indicating a full return to form for the Bunnies. The Bulldogs’ inability to generate points suggests that any other team in the competition could have outscored them. Hence, the effectiveness of Souths’ defense remains uncertain, leaving the jury still deliberating.

With the Rabbitohs conceding the highest number of meters in the competition this season, the Warriors are likely to have ample opportunities to launch their attacks.

Rabbitohs

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Sean Keppie 17. Davvy Moale 18. Peter Mamouzelos 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Richard Kennar 21. Jye Gray 22. Jacob Gagai

Warriors’ Resurgence

Following an unfortunate start to the season, where they suffered narrow losses to the Sharks and Storm by four points each, the Warriors have bounced back with victories in their last two games against the Raiders and Knights, setting a positive tone as they enter this upcoming contest.

The Warriors have showcased immense grit and resilience to start the season and appear to be in a better headspace than the disjointed Rabbitohs outfit.

However, the Kiwi club will have to snap a daunting eight-match losing run to the Bunnies if they are to make it three wins in a row.

Warriors

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Jazz Tevaga 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jacob Laban 21. Chanel Harris-Tavita 22. Edward Kosi 23. Ali Leiataua

Referees: Liam Kennedy; Side line Officials: Kieren Irons, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Ashley Klein

Statistics and Headlines

Rabbitohs have lost three of their four games this season

Warriors have won their last two games

Twelve of the last 13 meetings have seen 40+ points scored

Rabbitohs have seen 46+ points in three of their four games in 2024

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 24 tries in his last 20 games

Marcelo Montoya has scored a try in four of his last five games vs Rabbitohs

Jack Wighton has scored a try in three of his last four games vs Warriors & crossed last week vs Dogs

PREDICTION

Both the South Sydney Rabbitohs and New Zealand Warriors will be eager to gain momentum as they approach round 5.

The Rabbitohs secured their first win last week with a victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. However, the Bulldogs couldn’t replicate their previous week’s effort when they prevented the Gold Coast Titans from scoring. Notably, Latrell Mitchell narrowly avoided suspension for his late hit on Josh Addo-Carr just before halftime, receiving a monetary fine from the NRL Match Review Committee.

Consecutive victories for the Warriors against Canberra and Newcastle propelled them up one spot to tenth on the latest ladder. It was a costly victory with Luke Metcalf fracturing his leg, continuing his bad luck with injury since joining the club.

Metcalf’s long-term injury opens the door for Te Maire Martin to make his return to the Warriors side for the first time since the club’s loss in the preliminary final against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on September 23 last year. Chanel Harris-Tavita may feel hard done by, being selected in the reserves. Perhaps needing more game time under his belt after a gap year in his NRL career.

I think the wet weather will have a big influence on this game. Who ever makes the least mistakes, and kicks into the in goal will be crucial. I will go with the Warriors, but I will be looking for a points start off either team. Will be close.

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