SATURDAY JULY 20th 2024 3:00pm GOSFORD,CENTRAL COAST, NSW
Rabbitohs vs Tigers: Round 20 NRL Clash in Gosford
Round 20’s second game kicks off on Saturday afternoon as the Rabbitohs take on the Tigers in Gosford. Both teams will be eager to return to the winner’s circle after tough defeats to the Dolphins and Sharks, respectively, last week.
Key Injuries and Team Changes for Rabbitohs
For the Rabbitohs, Jai Arrow is now out for the season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury he has carried most of the year. Replacing him in the back-row is captain Cameron Murray, who has been named to back up from his Origin appearance for NSW. I hear he may be suspended for an involvement in a brawl in Origin3.
Siliva Havili also returns to the 17, replacing Liam Le Blanc on the bench.
The Rabbitohs came close to upsetting the Dolphins at home last week. They scored 28 points, so their attack was humming, but on the flipside their defence leaked 36 points. That’ll be something interim coach Ben Hornby will want to fix. The changes he’s made with moving Cody Walker to halfback, Jack Wighton to five-eighth and Keaon Kolomatangi to lock have been key factors in the turnaround in attacking form, which should continue against a Tigers team who have leaked plenty of points lately.
Souths
1. Jye Gray 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. Michael Chee Kam 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Siliva Havili 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Fletcher Myers 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Jacob Host
Tigers’ Team News and Impact of Injuries
For the Tigers, captain Api Koroisau is named in the reserves but is unlikely to play due to a calf injury. He’s been replaced in the starting hooker role by Tallyn De Silva. Luke Laulilii returns on the wing, replacing Alex Lobb, who picked up an ankle injury last week. Latu Fainu and Alex Twal both return from injury on the bench, replacing Heath Mason and Reuben Porter.
The loss of Koroisau is a significant blow to the Tigers’ chances in this game. Despite their few victories this year, Koroisau has consistently been one of their best players, offering plenty of creativity around the ruck. Without him, creating attacking opportunities will be tougher for the Tigers. They’ll be hoping the exuberance of youth can compensate, but it’s a tall order against the Rabbitohs, who have recently found form. The Tigers have lost their past three games against the Rabbitohs by an average of 20 points.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. David Klemmer , 11. John Bateman 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Fonua Pole 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Sione Fainu, 17. Jordan Miller 18. Justin Matamua 19. Heath Mason 20. Reuben Porter 21. Solomon Alaimalo, 22. Apisai Koroisau
Referee. Wyatt Raymond, Touch Judge. Jon Stone, Bunker, Matt Noyen
Key Match Facts
The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Tigers.
The Tigers have not won in Gosford since 2011.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past five games against the Tigers.
The Wests Tigers have conceded 138 points in their past three games.
Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook will make his 200th NRL appearance for the club.
Prediction.
You have to go with the Rabbits here. The Tigers were terrible last week and I can not see any improvement happening here.
Comments