Rabbitohs v Warriors: Mitchell return delayed; Cleary set to debut
The Rabbitohs are out to solidify their place in the top eight when they host the high-flying Warriors in a Saturday evening blockbuster at Accor Stadium.
Wayne Bennett's men made a statement with a comprehensive victory over the Bulldogs last Friday and they currently sit seventh on the ladder with three games to play.
The Rabbitohs have found form following the recent return of their big guns, with David Fifita and Cam Murray making an instant impact in the past couple of weeks.
South Sydney will put their premiership credentials on the line this weekend when the Warriors travel to Sydney for a crucial showdown.
The Wahs army will be out in force at Accor Stadium as Andrew Webster's men chase a top-two finish.
The Warriors now sit level on points with the Panthers and are desperate to secure a home final in the opening week of the post-season.
Match: Rabbitohs v Warriors
Round 25 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
away Team
Warriors
1st Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Rabbitohs: The Bunnies are 1-19 with no late changes. Latrell Mitchell will target a Round 26 return against the Titans after his comeback was put on hold this week. The Bunnies line up as named on Tuesday with Euan Aitken promoted to the starting side in place of Adam Elliott (adductor).
Warriors: Adam Pompey comes into the starting side at centre with Ali Leiataua moving to the interchange. Rookie halfback Jett Cleary also comes onto the bench for his NRL debut joining Leiataua, Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava. With Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad serving a two-game suspension for a hip drop tackle, Taine Tuaupiki is back as starting No.1. With Luke Metcalf (hamstring) sidelined, Chanel Harris-Tavita moves to halfback and Luke Hanson is the new five-eighth in his second NRL match after debuting in Round 3.
Match: Rabbitohs v Warriors
Round 25 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Matthew DuftyFullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine Tuaupiki
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Tallis DuncanCentre for Warriors is number 4 Leka Halasima
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack WightonCentre for Warriors is number 18 Adam Pompey
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Campbell GrahamWinger for Warriors is number 5 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Hanson
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Jayden SullivanHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Chanel Harris-Tavita
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita TatolaProp for Warriors is number 8 James Fisher-Harris
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon KoloamatangiProp for Warriors is number 10 Mitchell Barnett
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 David Fifita2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Kurt Capewell
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Euan Aitken2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Jacob Laban
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron MurrayLock for Warriors is number 13 Erin Clark
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Lachlan HubnerInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Sam Healey
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Sean KeppieInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Tanner Stowers-Smith
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 18 Peter MamouzelosInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Demitric Vaimauga
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jye GrayReserve for Warriors is number 3 Ali Leiataua
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 17 Liam Le BlancReserve for Warriors is number 21 Jett Cleary
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Edward Kosi
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won their last eight games at Accor Stadium.
- The Warriors have won three of their last four games against the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium.
- The Rabbitohs have scored at least 28 points in nine of their last 10 games against the Warriors.
- Warriors coach Andrew Webster will take charge of his 100th NRL game as coach.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in his last 12 games at Accor Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
