NRL 2023, Rabbitohs v Cowboys, match preview, analysis, statistics

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 25 Jun 2023, 03:19 PM

While the Rabbitohs got to put their feet up during a bye in Round 16, games don't come much tougher than what the Cowboys had to endure last Friday.

In a contest which lasted 88 minutes in total, North Queensland earned victory over the Panthers at home thanks to some individual brilliance from Scott Drinkwater in the second period of golden point, but it remains to be seen what toll that might take on them this week.

Prior to the bye the Rabbitohs had arguably their worst showing of the year in a 36-30 loss to the Dragons, which was made to look better by three late tries which reduced the final margin.

Recent history is firmly against the Cowboys in this one, with just under six years having passed since they last tasted victory over South Sydney and the Rabbitohs enjoying seven straight wins against them.

At Accor Stadium this year the Bunnies have won four of six, while the Cowboys have lost four of their past five at the venue.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Rabbitohs v Cowboys

Team News

Rabbitohs: A late switch sees Jacob Host start in the second row and Jed Cartwright move back to the bench, while Peter Mamouzelos joins the bench at the expense of Michael Chee Kam. Damien Cook and Cameron Murray will both start after playing for NSW mid-week, while Cody Walker returns from a quad strain. Tom Burgess makes his return from a back injury via the bench. Coach Jason Demetriou confirmed on Saturday that Latrell Mitchell won't return until Round 21 due to a lingering calf injury.

Cowboys: All five Origin representatives will back up after initially being named in the extended reserves, with Murray Taulagi, Val Holmes, Reece Robson and Jeremiah Nanai starting. Reuben Cotter will come off the bench after playing all 80 minutes for Queensland on Wednesday night and making a team-high 44 tackles. Kyle Feldt drops out of the 17 to be the replacement player, while Jake Granville replaces Jason Taumalolo (hamstring) at lock.

Round 17 - Round 17 - Sunday 25 Jun

Full Time

Rabbitohs

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Blake Taaffe

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Scott Drinkwater
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Semi Valemei
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah Tass

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Peta Hiku
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham

Centre for Cowboys is number 22 Valentine Holmes
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Richard Kennar

Winger for Cowboys is number 24 Murray Taulagi
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Tom Dearden
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Lachlan Ilias

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Jordan McLean
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook

Hooker for Cowboys is number 20 Reece Robson
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Hame Sele

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Coen Hess
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Luciano Leilua
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 20 Jacob Host

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 21 Jeremiah Nanai
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray

Lock for Cowboys is number 9 Jake Granville

Interchange

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jed Cartwright

Interchange for Cowboys is number 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Davvy Moale

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Griffin Neame
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Thomas Burgess

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 19 Peter Mamouzelos

Interchange for Cowboys is number 23 Reuben Cotter

Reserves

Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 14 Michael Chee Kam

Replacement for Cowboys is number 2 Kyle Feldt

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated: 2/18/2024 9:52:20 AM

Stat Attack

The Rabbitohs have won their past seven games against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have won only two from seven against top-eight opposition in 2023.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored six tries in his past three games against the Cowboys
On average North Queensland miss 10 tackles more than the Rabbitohs in games this season. The Cowboys are the NRL's worst offender, averaging 38.5 misses per match, while the Rabbitohs have the second fewest at an average of 28.5.
Reece Robson and Damien Cook have the same number of total dummy-half runs (81) this season.