7:35 pm SATURDAY AUGUST 24th 2024 ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
Rabbitohs and Knights Face Off in Final Push for Pride and Playoff Hopes
There’s no way around it, this season has been a failure for both South Sydney and Newcastle. Two teams that were expected not only to reach the finals but also make a deep run are now delivering performances that have fans questioning their future direction.
Rabbitohs’ Mid-Season Surge Fizzles Out, Top Eight Hopes Dashed
Despite a brief resurgence mid-season with six wins in seven games, the Rabbitohs have reverted to the form that saw them languishing at the bottom of the table in the early rounds. This recent slide has eliminated their chances of securing a spot in the top eight. They now have nothing but pride to play for, and Ben Hornby will be hoping that’s does a better job of getting them up than whatever their motivations been the last 4 weeks.
Two sides that fell to to close losses in Round 24 will be aiming to put their disappointment behind them and finish their seasons on a high when the Rabbitohs host the Knights.
Bunnies Defeated by Wests Tigers in Controversial Game with Cody Walker Injury
The Bunnies were defeated by the Wests Tigers in a game full of talking points, including the loss of five-eighth Cody Walker due to a failed HIA.
Souths
1. Jye Gray 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Taane Milne 22. Tyrone Munro 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Dean Hawkins 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Shaquai Mitchell 18. Siliva Havili 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson
Knights’ Golden Point Heartbreak Leaves Finals Hopes Hanging by a Thread
The Knights were narrowly defeated by the Sharks in golden point, thanks to a Daniel Atkinson field goal, resulting in a 19-18 loss. They will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming match against the Rabbitohs as they still cling to slim hopes of playing beyond the regular season. The Knights’ chances of making the finals are minimal, and they have only themselves to blame for their defeat against Cronulla. After building an 8-point lead early in the second half, Newcastle appeared to relinquish control, allowing the Sharks to capitalize and secure victory with a field goal in golden point.
Knights’ Equation: Win to Keep Finals Hopes Alive
For the Knights, the equation is straightforward: win and continue their fight for the finals. A loss, combined with a Dragons win on Sunday, would officially eliminate them from contention, leaving them with a 9-13 record and two games remaining to recover.
Knights’ Attacking Form Shows Promise Despite Recent Struggles
It’s been well documented how much the Knights have struggled in attack this year, but recently they’ve shown some signs of life. While they only scored 18 points against the Sharks, they looked dangerous whenever they were attacking the line, with the low number largely attributable to the 40% of possession they had in the second half, a number which only increases to 42 over the entire game.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 4. Dylan Lucas 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jack Cogger 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Will Pryce 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 19. Sebastian Su’a 21. Kyle McCarthy
Referee. Chris Butler, Touch Judges, Damian Brady, Jon Stone, Bunker, Peter Gough.
Prediction.
Both sides are coming off heart breaking losses, but the Knights have more to play for and should get this one done if they can hold the ball.
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