The Broncos have had a week to get used to the idea that star recruit and captain Adam Reynolds wouldn't be available to lead them against his former team as COVID has ripped through the club.
Not only is Reynolds out, but also forward Kobe Hetherington, five-eighth Tyson Gamble and hooker Corey Paix.
The match would have been the first for Reynolds in Broncos colours as he was rested from the pre-season trials while coach Kevin Walters tried to determine who would partner him in the halves.
In the end it didn't matter and another new recruit, Billy Walters, will play alongside Albert Kelly against the new Rabbitohs pairing of Cody Walker and rookie halfback Lachlan Ilias.
New Souths coach Jason Demetriou will also officially be in charge for the first time but after a long apprenticeship under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos and Rabbitohs he is more than comfortable in the role.
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The Rundown
Team news
Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with no late changes.
Billy Walters and Albert Kelly are the halves pairing with star recruit Adam Reynolds ruled out of round one following a COVID diagnosis.
Jamayne Isaako is the fullback with Selwyn Cobbo and Corey Oates on the wings. Keenan Palasia starts at prop with Thomas Flegler suspended.
Kurt Capewell makes his club debut in the back-row with Ryan James and Tyrone Roberts doing likewise from the interchange.
The Broncos had no changes in their 24-hour team list. Brenko Lee is 18th man and Corey Jensen was the last man cut an hour before kick-off.
Rabbitohs: A blow for the Bunnies with fullback Blake Taaffe ruled out after rolling his ankle at training on Thursday. Alex Johnston moves to fullback and Josh Mansour comes into the side on the wing.
Youngster Lachlan Ilias has been given the nod to take over Adam Reynolds' No.7 jersey while Cameron Murray captains the Rabbitohs for the first time.
Davvy Moale is 18th man for the Rabbitohs.
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Key match-up
Cody Walker v Albert Kelly: After scoring 16 tries and being responsible for 33 try assists in 2021, Walker will take over the Rabbitohs chief playmaker role following the move by Adam Reynolds to Brisbane. The unavailability of the new Broncos captain has opened the door for Kelly to play halfback in the season opener and many feel he has a similar playing style to Walker which may lead to him forming a long term combination with Reynolds.
Stat attack
Souths have won five of their last six matches against Brisbane and outscored their opponents 81-6 in 2021 as the Broncos failed to capitalise on their home ground advantage when the competition moved to Queensland, winning just six of 16 games at Suncorp Stadium.