SATURDAY MAY 25th 2024 ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
Rabbitohs vs Eels: NRL Showdown at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Currently sitting in 14th and 17th place, the Rabbitohs and Eels must quickly turn things around to prevent their seasons from slipping away entirely.
Rabbitohs’ Struggle
South Sydney showed plenty of heart to push the Cowboys right to the end in Magic Round but still have just the one win for the season as they continue to struggle with form and confidence.
Their injury toll is something that will continue to challenge them over the next few weeks but interim coach Ben Hornby will welcome back Jacob Host (suspension) with open arms into a depleted forward pack which has lacked punch in recent weeks.
They have endured a soul-crushing season, remaining at the bottom of the ladder and losing their last three matches at Accor Stadium.
However, last weekend’s match against the Cowboys seemed to be a positive turning point for the Rabbitohs. It was a hard-fought battle, with the Rabbitohs refusing to give up when conditions became difficult. They fought until the end, but gaps in their defense and a series of simple mistakes led to a 28-22 loss to the Cowboys.
The Rabbitohs have shown they have the potential; now they just need more guidance. The lineup reshuffle this weekend could prove beneficial for the team.
Eels’ Tough Road
Meanwhile, the Eels’ 48-16 demolition by Melbourne on Sunday came as their fourth consecutive loss and looked to be the final straw for the coach, Brad Arthur who has been sacked.
Key Players
Star halfback Mitch Moses remains sidelined with a foot injury, leaving Dylan Brown and Daejarn Asi to continue calling the shots in the halves. Meanwhile, rookie Blaize Talagi should have gained plenty of confidence from his second appearance at fullback.
Team Line-ups
For this match, the Eels will be without key playmaker Mitchell Moses, this week likely to be his last on the side line. Clint Gutherson, Haze Dunster, Ofahiki Ogden and Ryan Matterson are all unavailable due to injuries.
RABBOTOHS
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Michael Chee Kam 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Jacob Host 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Siliva Havili 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 20. Matthew French 21. Adam Christensen 22. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
EELS
1. Blaize Talagi 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Daejarn Asi 7. Dylan Brown 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Bryce Cartwright 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Brendan Hands 19. Morgan Harper 20. Ethan Sanders 21. Wiremu Greig 22. Luca Moretti
Referee: Chris Butler, Touch Judges, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Clayton Wills, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
Key Stats
The Rabbitohs have won six of their past seven games against the Eels.
The Eels have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium since 2017.
The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past eight games at Accor Stadium.
Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored eight tries in his last 11 games at Accor Stadium.
South Sydney winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past four games against the Eels.
This weekend will be a test of endurance and strength between two teams determined to maintain their pride by giving their all as they fight their way to victory.
Prediction
Well to be honest, I am not sure. Both sides have had their coaches sacked this year, and both have injury concerns. With Origin around the corner ,both need a win badly. Wighton in the halves may help Souths, but I hear Cody Walker is out with a calf strain.
Significant Changes
Significant changes are expected in the halves after Cody Walker was ruled out on Thursday with a calf injury. Jack Wighton has been named at five-eighth, with Dion Teaupa likely to be promoted to halfback after being dropped to the reserves. Jacob Host’s return from suspension in the back row sees Siliva Havili move to the bench, while Michael Chee Kam will play in the centres after recovering from a calf complaint.
For the Eels no sign of panic from interim coach Trent Barrett despite the thumping loss to the Storm with Ryan Matterson’s return from illness the only change. Bryce Cartwright reverts to the bench and Luca Moretti drops to the reserves. I don’t think Dylan Brown has the nous to guide the Eels around the park so questions remain for me.
I am going with the Eels with a 4.5 points start, mainly because I do not like several Souths players and their ego. I enjoy watching them loose.
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