Raiders v Rabbitohs: Mariota to start: Johnston returns
The Raiders are desperate to keep their top-eight chances alive when they host the in-form Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon.
Ricky Stuart's men returned to form in a big way last week with a dominant 40-16 win over the Bulldogs to remain in touching distance of the eight with eight rounds to play.
The Raiders must keep the momentum rolling on Saturday as they look to mount a late charge to the finals.
Wins against teams above them on the ladder are vital in the cause and this week's clash with South Sydney is another chance to close the gap on their rivals.
The Rabbitohs held off a fast-finishing Knights to claim a two-point win on Jai Arrow's birthday last Sunday. The win helped Wayne Bennett's side maintain their place in the top eight, but they remain just two points clear of the ninth-placed Sea Eagles.
South Sydney have been bolstered by the recent return of Jack Wighton while Cody Walker is set to return from suspension on Saturday afternoon.
Match: Raiders v Rabbitohs
Round 20 -
home Team
Raiders
12th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Team News
Raiders: A late switch in the pack with Ata Mariota to start and Corey Horsburgh going to the bench. Origin duo Ethan Strange and Hudson Young return to the starting side. Seb Kris will miss one more week with a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for Round 21. Winger Savelio Tamale earns a recall on the bench after a week in NSW Cup to regain his confidence after a tough day under the high ball against the Dragons in Round 17. Hooker Tom Starling celebrates his 150th game for the club with coach Ricky Stuart full of praise for the No.9. "He's got a heart bigger than anybody and realistically he's our spiritual leader," Stuart said on Friday.
Rabbitohs: No late changes for the Rabbitohs on game day. Alex Johnston is set to return from a calf injury and replaces Dayne Jennings, who suffered a nasty gash in last week’s win over Newcastle. Euan Aitken failed to finish the match due to illness but has been listed to start in the back row. Cody Walker is back from a one-game ban and will partner Ashton Ward in the halves. John Radel joins the six-man bench in No.20.
Match: Raiders v Rabbitohs
Round 20 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo WeekesFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Matthew Dufty
-
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Jed StuartWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
-
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Simi SasagiCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Tallis Duncan
-
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew TimokoCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack Wighton
-
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier SavageWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Campbell Graham
-
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan StrangeFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
-
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Ethan SandersHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Ashton Ward
Forwards
-
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph TapineProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
-
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Owen PattieHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Brandon Smith
-
Prop for Raiders is number 15 Ata MariotaProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon Koloamatangi
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 David Fifita
-
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Noah Martin2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Euan Aitken
-
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Zac HoskingLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray
Interchange
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 8 Corey HorsburghInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Lachlan Hubner
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom StarlingInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jamie Humphreys
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh PapaliiInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 20 John Radel
-
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Daine Laurie
Reserves
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 18 Savelio TamaleReserve for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jye Gray
-
Reserve for Raiders is number 19 Morgan SmithiesReserve for Rabbitohs is number 16 Liam Le Blanc
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 18 Latrell Siegwalt
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Raiders have won their last five games against the Rabbitohs.
- The Rabbitohs have lost four of their last five away games.
- Raiders winger Xavier Savage has scored 10 tries in his last 12 games at GIO Stadium
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Raiders.
- Raiders hooker Tom Starling will play his 150th game for the club.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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