NRL, ROUND 21, JULY 21ST, 2023 BRISBANE BRONCOS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
SUNSHINE COAST STADIUM, SUNSHINE COAST, QLD
The NRL action heats up on Friday night as the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs lock horns at the Sunshine Coast Stadium. This Round 21 encounter promises to be a pulsating showdown as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the top four of the ladder.
Earlier in the season, the Rabbitohs handed the Broncos a resounding 32-6 defeat at Suncorp, and they will be eager to replicate their dominant performance in this face-off. However, the Rabbitohs have faced some challenges during the Origin period, which has seen them slip to eighth place on the ladder. With three defeats in their last four games, the Bunnies are well aware that another loss could hinder their pursuit of the top four.
The Rabbitohs will receive a massive boost with their star players back in the lineup. Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Keaon Koloamatangi, Jai Arrow, and Cameron Murray all return to bolster the squad. Similarly, the Broncos will see the return of their key players, Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Patrick Carrigan, who missed last week’s victory over the Bulldogs.
Currently flying high in second place on the ladder, the Broncos aim to prove their mettle against the top teams in the competition. However, they must address concerns over their defense, having conceded 24 points to the Bulldogs in their previous outing. Going up against the red-hot Rabbitohs, they know that tightening their defense will be crucial.
One of the most anticipated aspects of this clash is the battle of the fullbacks. Latrell Mitchell, returning after an absence since Round 12, is set to face off against Brisbane’s star fullback. With just six points separating the top nine teams, this match holds immense importance for both sides in their quest for a top-four finish. A loss for the Rabbitohs could see them drop out of the top eight, while the Broncos are keen to remain on equal footing with the ladder-leading Panthers.
As both teams get ready for this high-stakes showdown, expect an intense and closely fought contest. The Rabbitohs have an impressive record of four wins out of four at Sunshine Coast Stadium, and with their star-studded lineup back in action, they will be eager to maintain their winning streak.
Watch out for Selwyn Cobbo, who is returning to the wing for the Broncos after a remarkable performance as a roaming fullback. He will be a key attacking target on the right side, skillfully orchestrated by Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, formerly a Rabbitoh himself. With strategic cross-field kicks and creative plays, Cobbo is poised to make an impact and potentially score during the match.
With fullback giants locking horns and both teams hungry for a top-four finish, this NRL showdown on the Sunshine Coast promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Tune in for a night of electrifying rugby league action!
Rabbitohs team: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Hame Sele 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Blake Taaffe 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Jacob Host 18. Jed Cartwright 19. Tallis Duncan 20. Peter Mamouzelos 21. Davvy Moale 22. Dean Hawkins
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Jock Madden 20. Xavier Willison 21. Tristan Sailor 22. Delouise Hoeter
Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Rabbitohs have won four of the last six meetings
Rabbitohs beat Broncos 32-6 earlier this season
Rabbitohs have won all four of their games at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his last seven games & needs one more to move into third in the all-time list
Selwyn Cobbo has scored five tries in his last four games
Campbell Graham. Has scored six tries in his last five games vs Broncos
PREDICTION
The Rabbitohs will start as slight favourite here, but I am going for the Broncos with a 5.5 point start.
Read this too
Comments