NRL, ROUND 3, SYDNEY ROOSTERS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

FRIDAY MARCH 22nd, 2024 ALLIANZ STADIUM SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

Renewed Rivalry: Roosters vs. Rabbitohs Clash at Allianz Stadium

On Friday night, the Roosters and Rabbitohs will add another intense chapter to their historic rivalry as they clash for the 232nd time. Renowned as one of the NRL’s most intense feuds, their matchups consistently deliver excitement and drama without fail.

Lineup Changes for the Roosters After Tough Loss to Manly

For the Roosters, Trent Robinson has made a few changes after they went down 21-14 against Manly at 4 Pines Park. Luke Keary, failed his HIA on Sunday so will sit out the game, with Sandon Smith moving from the bench into five-eighth. That brings Connor Watson into the 14 jersey for his first game of the season. Siua Wong has dropped out of the 17, with Nat Butcher taking his place starting in the back row, and Angus Crichton coming onto the bench.

Key Players Missing: Luke Keary Out, Sandon Smith Steps Up

Following a tough loss to Manly, the Roosters will play their first game at Allianz for the year and will be hoping for some home crowd favouritism to get them back in the win column. With no Keary, the pressure will be on the young halves combo of Smith and Sam Walker to get the team around the park. I though Walker was ordinary last start, so will need to impress here. James Tedesco has been at his best so far this year and looks primed for another highly involved performance. He usually saves his best for these rivalry games, which is a scary thought for the Rabbitohs, although he dropped a couple last week. One was a terrible decision by the officials, and should have been a penalty to the Roosters for taking Tedesco’s feet out in the air, but instead was awarded as a try to Manly by the Boffins.

Identifying Roosters’ Downfall: Errors and Possession Woes

 Although the Tricolours remained competitive until the final moments, it’s evident where their downfall occurred on Sunday night, as they conceded 20 errors and controlled possession for just 42 percent of the game.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Set for 300th NRL Match Milestone

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will run out for his 300th NRL match after debuting at Manly in 2009.

Rabbitohs’ Strategic Changes: Illias Out, Hawkins In

Staring down the barrel of three straight losses, the Rabbitohs have made several changes with Jason Demetriou hoping to shake things up. A notable change at halfback with Lachlan Illias dropped and Dean Hawkins promoted to start. I did not think Illias was to bad over the last few games but the coaches seen it differently.

Jack Wighton’s Debut: Anticipation Builds for Rabbitohs

Jack Wighton will make his much anticipated club debut after missing the first two games through suspension. He starts at centre with Richie Kennar dropping out. Jacob Host earns his inaugural starting position of the year in the back row, prompting Shaquai Mitchell’s move to the reserves, while Tallis Duncan shifts to the bench.

Game Plan Insights: Rabbitohs’ Strategy Against the Roosters

This game is one the Rabbitohs have circled on their calendar each year and it couldn’t come at a better time for them. The emotion and passion that comes with this rivalry may just be enough to get them fired up. Having said that, they’ll need to be at their best to overcome a Roosters side coming off a loss. The key for them will be getting back to what works. Their left edge attack has arguably been the best in the competition the past few years, but they’ve struggled to utilise it thus far. They’ll be looking to get Wighton involved in his first game, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them go to that left side often.

Current Lineups for Roosters and Rabbitohs

Roosters.

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Sandon Smith, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Nat Butcher, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Connor Watson, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Terrell May 17 Angus Crichton, 18. Michael Jennings, 19. Egan Butcher, 20. Billy Smith, 21. Zach Dockar-Clay, 22. Siua Wong

Rabbitohs

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

Referee: Ashley Klein, Touch Judge: Dave Munro,

Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond,

Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Recent Performance Trends: Roosters vs. Rabbitohs

The Roosters have won three of their past four games against the Rabbitohs.

The Rabbitohs have won only four of their past 15 NRL games.

The Roosters have won seven of their 10 games at the new Allianz Stadium.

Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray will make his 150th NRL appearance.

Prediction

I will back the Roosters to bounce back after a shocker last weekend, but the Rabbits will be fired up to win this scrap. There is not much between these two teams, so be careful betting . Roosters by two.

And in my LATE GOSSIP catch up with my spies, I hear Damian Cook may start off the bench, to try and give the Rabbits a spark. True or Not.?

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