The red-hot Rabbitohs meet Parramatta on Friday night with Jason Demetriou's side looking to inflict more pain on the 2022 grand finalists at Allianz Stadium.
South Sydney went overtook the Broncos to go top of the ladder following their 20-0 win over Wests Tigers in Round 11. While it wasn't as clinical as many expected, the side's defence held firm in a strong sign for Demetriou moving forward.
The Eels' tough draw and narrow losses to start 2023 is coming back to bite them leading into the Origin series with defeats to the Titans and Raiders dropping Brad Arthur's men to 14th after 11 rounds.
Recent form against the Bunnies is also a worry for Parramatta with the club suffering eight losses in their last nine starts, including a 26-0 shut-out and 30-12 loss last year.
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Team news
Rabbitohs: No late changes to the playing 17 for the Bunnies, but Jai Arrow moves into the starting side at second row and Jacob Host drops back to the bench. Tom Burgess (back spasms) and Jed Cartwright (concussion) were both ruled out earlier in the week with Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Blake Taaffe coming into the 17. Shaquai Mitchell dropped out of the extended squad but has been named to make his return from a foot injury via NSW Cup.
Eels: Parramatta take the field as named on Tuesday, with Mitchell Moses back from concussion protocols and Jakob Arthur dropping to be 18th man. With Shaun Lane (hamstring) out, Bryce Cartwright takes the starting spot on the left edge and Makahesi Makatoa joins the bench.
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Stat Attack
- South Sydney have won eight of their last nine matches against the Eels, including the past six.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored seven tries in his last three games against the Eels, and 15 tries in 12 career games overall.
- The clash will be the first time both sides will meet at the new Allianz Stadium. Previously, they last met at the old venue in 2005.
- Maika Sivo has scored 14 tries in his past 10 games.
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored seven tries in his past eight games against the Rabbitohs.
- Latrell Mitchell requires two tries to reach the milestone of 100 NRL tries.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.