SATURDAY, MAY 11th, 2024 NETSTRATA SYADIUM, SYDNEY
The Rabbitohs Face Familiar Challenges Under New Coaching Leadership
The Rabbitohs encountered familiar challenges under new coaching leadership last week, highlighting recurring issues. They now face a matchup against traditional rivals, the Dragons, who are eager to bounce back after a challenging couple of weeks.
St George Illawarra’s Struggles Continue
Following their disappointing defeat to the Roosters on ANZAC Day, St George Illawarra displayed notable improvement as they fought toe-to-toe with the Sharks, ultimately succumbing to a 20-10 loss last Sunday. However, it’s evident that they have been unable to capitalize on their season-best performance against the Warriors back in Round 8.
Dragons and Their Seasonal Challenges
With a 71 percent completion rate in their last outing, the Dragons faced difficulties, and as they approach Round 10, they maintain a competition-high average of 14 errors per game.
Injury Woes for Both Sides
However, their challenges pale in comparison to those of their upcoming opponents, who are grappling with their seventh loss of the season alongside three new injury setbacks.
Captain Cameron Murray is set to sit out for up to two months due to a hip flexor injury, while halfback Dean Hawkins and fullback Jye Gray have also sustained long-term injuries.
Historical Context and Venue Woes
These two clubs each claimed a victory over the other last year. However, historically, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium hasn’t been a favorable venue for South Sydney, who have managed just three wins out of nine visits to the ground.
Line-ups
Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Hame Sele 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth, 14. Fa’amanu Brown 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jack de Belin 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila , 18. Michael Molo 19. Mathew Feagai 20. Toby Couchman 21. Luciano Leilua 22. Jesse Marschke
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Gehamat Shibasaki 3. Jack Wighton 4. Michael Chee Kam 5. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Dion Teaupa 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Siliva Havili, 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Matthew French , 18. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 19. Leonard Skelton 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Chase Chapman 22. Alex Johnston
Referee. Belinda Sharpe ,Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Todd Smith ,Bunker, Ashley Klein
Prediction
The Dragons were looking good in the first half last week against Cronulla, but ran out of steam on the soggy Shark Park surface. Under new coach Ben Hornby, the Rabbitohs showed early promise. However, they were outmatched by the Panthers, who ultimately handed them a humbling defeat. This game could go either way, especially if the Rabbitohs are serious about performing now that Jason Demetriou has gone. With Mitchell back for the Rabbits I think they can get home, finally!!!
While writing this article I found the Dragons to be favourites with the bookies. I also found Souths with a 9.5 points start @ $1.60
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