THURSDAY JULY 4th 2024 COMMBANK STADIUM SYDNEY
South Sydney’s Resurgence
South Sydney has made a strong comeback recently, securing a four-game winning streak that began with their impressive 42-26 victory over the Eels in Round 12.
Parramatta’s Challenge
Parramatta aims to prevent a fourth consecutive defeat this Thursday night as they kick off Round 18 at CommBank Stadium against the Bunnies.
Team Preparations
The Bunnies enter the match well-rested after a bye, while the Eels have likely worked hard to overcome the frustration of last week’s back-and-forth game against the Knights, where they lost their half-time lead.
Mitchell Moses’ Efforts
Blues star Mitchell Moses played after backing up from Origin, but he couldn’t replicate his heroics, with his side ultimately falling short due to a late double by Bradman Best in Newcastle’s six-tries-to-five victory.
Player Availability
Winger Haze Dunster may be ready for selection, while Parramatta junior Matt Arthur had a solid NRL debut and will be looking to stay in contention.
Injury Update
Parramatta will be without star winger Maika Sivo, who has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Debut Opportunities
This opens the door for Jake Tago to debut, alongside back-rower Charlie Guymer, who will also make his debut from the bench, replacing Makahesi Makatoa.
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Blaize Talagi 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Shaun Lane, 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Matt Doorey 17. Charlie Guymer, 18. Daejarn Asi 19. Makahesi Makatoa 20. Wiremu Greig 21. Morgan Harper 22. Luca Moretti
Boost for the Rabbitohs
For the Bunnies, prop Tevita Tatola is listed as possibly being back from his foot injury, while Origin representatives Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray are set to join the side that went into last week’s bye with a shut-out win over the Sea Eagles.
Their inclusion is a significant boost for the Rabbitohs, who will be aiming for a fifth consecutive win as they continue their climb from the bottom of the ladder.
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Cameron Murray 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi , 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam, 18. Jye Gray 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Fletcher Myers 21. Adam Christensen 22. Thomas Fletcher
Referee: Liam Kennedy, Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe, Touch Judge: Dave Munro, Bunker: Adam Gee
Historical Context
The Eels have not defeated the Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium since 2019.
The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Eels.
Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored at least one try in his last six NRL games.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in 14 games against the Eels.
Eels winger Maika Sivo requires two tries for a century of tries in the NRL.
Prediction
Coming off the bye and having a four-game winning streak, the Rabbitohs are going into this match as slight favourites.
It will most likely be close, but it’s hard to go against a Bunnies side that’s in form at the moment.
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