FRIDAY 29th MARCH, 2024 ACCOR STADIUM,SYDNEY
Desperation for Victory: Rabbitohs Face Bulldogs in Crucial Good Friday Clash
After just three rounds of the season, the Rabbitohs stand at a pivotal juncture as they prepare to face the resurgent Bulldogs in the traditional Good Friday showdown.
Pressure Mounts on Rabbitohs Coach as Souths Struggle at Bottom of Ladder
Defeats against the Sea Eagles, Broncos, and Roosters have placed Souths in an uncommon position at the foot of the ladder, intensifying the pressure on coach Jason Demetriou as he endeavours to steer them out of this downturn.
Rabbitohs’ Defensive Woes Highlighted in Recent Defeats
Despite the presence of key players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, the Rabbitohs faltered against the Roosters last Friday, displaying a lackluster performance marked by 15 errors and 36 missed tackles, ultimately succumbing to a 48-6 defeat.
It’s only early in the season, but the Rabbitohs are absolutely desperate for a win as they lock horns with the Bulldogs on Good Friday.
Souths are 0-3 on the season and have lost 12 of their last 16 games dating back to last season – including a 36-32 defeat to the Bulldogs.
The Bunnies’ primary concern lies in their defensive struggles and the absence of forward momentum. They’ve conceded 36, 28, and 48 points in losses to Manly, Brisbane, and the Roosters, respectively, while Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell have yet to find their form.
Bulldogs Gain Momentum with Convincing Win Over Titans
Jason Demetriou is under immense pressure, while marquee recruit Jack Wighton struggled to inject himself in the centres in the 48-6 loss to the Roosters last week.
Damien Cook has been moved back to the starting side with Siliva Havili moved to 18th man.
Michael Chee Kam is a new face on the bench, while Shaq Mitchell also returns to the side.
In stark contrast the Bulldogs found their mojo in a 32-0 demolition of the Titans as Viliame Kikau, Reed Mahoney and Jacob Kiraz produced standout performances.
Cameron Ciraldo’s team clicked into gear, with Viliame Kikau playing his best game since signing for the Dogs last season, while Reed Mahoney also stepped up.
Putting 32 points on the Titans is a big boost to the Bulldogs much-maligned attack, but it still remains to be seen if they can consistently reproduce that sort of level against the better teams in the competition.
Ciraldo’s Bulldogs Aim to Upset Rabbitohs in Accor Stadium Showdown
With his new-look side starting to gel, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo will be confident of springing an upset in front of a bumper crowd at Accor Stadium and avenging a 50-16 defeat in the corresponding game last year.
Team line-Ups
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. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jacob Host 13. Cameron Murray 14. Michael Chee Kam 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Shaquai Mitchell 17. Davvy Moale 18. Siliva Havili 19. Lachlan Ilias 20. Sean Keppie 21. Peter Mamouzelos 22. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson
Bulldogs
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Blake Wilson 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Connor Tracey 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Liam Knight 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Samuel Hughes 16. Josh Curran 17. Kurtis Morrin 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Toby Sexton 21. Jake Turpin 22. Kitione Kautoga 23. Josh Addo-Carr
The Rabbitohs have won the past five Good Friday games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs are aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time in more than a year (Round 2-3, 2023).
The Rabbitohs have conceded an average of more than 37 points per game in 2024.
Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 21 tries in 21 games at Accor Stadium.
Rabbitohs second-rower Jacob Host will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Blake Wilson has scored a try in two of his three games this season & had two disallowed as well.
Stephen Crichton has scored a try in eight of his last nine games vs Rabbitohs.
Alex Johnston has scored a try in seven of his last eight games vs Bulldogs.
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Matt Noyen, Bunker. Adam Gee
Prediction.
The Rabbitohs continued their awful start to the season last week succumbing to the Roosters, whilst the Bulldogs had their first win with an improved performance against the woeful Titans. This is a puzzling contest, with the true ability of both teams somewhat clouded by performances so far. Are the Bunnies really that bad, have the Bulldogs actually clicked, or was it the Titans that made them look better? I’m going with the Rabbitohs, because they simply have to win this one.
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