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Match Preview

Raiders v Rabbitohs: Bateman return delayed; Keaon called in

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pan66.com
Timestamp

The Raiders proved last week that their horrid injury count is no impediment to success.

The manner in which they beat the premiers suggests the Rabbitohs will have their work cut out for them.

South Sydney, on the other hand, need to play with the speed and commitment they displayed in the final stages of their 20-18 loss to Newcastle last weekend for the entire 80 minutes. If they do that, they can beat anyone.

The Rundown

Team news

Raiders: The Raiders will line up 1-17 with Sam Williams and Darby Medlyn omitted an hour before kick-off.

John Bateman won't be a late inclusion despite being named in the 21-man squad on Tuesday. "John's not far away," Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said.

"[But] I've had to name him this week because I didn't have anyone else to name. I only had 20 healthy players."

Jordan Rapana moves to centre with Semi Valemei starting on the wing due to Michael Oldfield's hamstring injury. Harley Smith-Shields joins the bench.

Matt Frawley and Bateman were omitted from the reserves list 24 hour before kick-off. The Raiders have won five of their past seven games against the Rabbitohs.

Rabbitohs: Keaon Koloamatangi will join the interchange bench with Patrick Mago dropping out of the side. With centre James Roberts (pectoral) and back-rower Ethan Lowe (neck) out long-term, the Bunnies welcome Campbell Graham (facial fracture) back to the centres and promote Bayley Sironen to the run-on side with Jack Johns joining the interchange.

Kurt Dillon and Troy Dargan dropped off the extended bench on Friday night while Mago and Steven Marsters were omitted an hour before kick-off.

Five-eighth Cody Walker has scored a try in four of his past five games against the Raiders.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
    Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Alex Johnston
  • Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
    Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Corey Allan
  • Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
    Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Campbell Graham
  • Centre for Raiders is number 4 Jordan Rapana
    Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Dane Gagai
  • Winger for Raiders is number 5 Semi Valemei
    Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jaxson Paulo
  • Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
    Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
  • Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George Williams
    Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Forwards

  • Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
    Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
  • Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Siliva Havili
    Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
  • Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis Lui
    Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Thomas Burgess
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
    2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Jaydn Su'a
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
    2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Bayley Sironen
  • Lock for Raiders is number 13 Kai O'Donnell
    Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray

Interchange

  • Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Mark Nicholls
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Joseph Tapine
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Hame Sele
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ryan Sutton
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jack Johns
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Harley Smith-Shields
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 19 Keaon Koloamatangi 

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
  • Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated:

Key match-up

Siliva Havili v Damien Cook. It is hard to find two more contrasting styles from men in No.9 jerseys, yet both are very important to their team's chances. Havili had a great game in the win over the Roosters, with his strong defence a highlight. Cook, on the other hand, seems to be warming to the 2020 rule changes and at his best poses a potent attacking threat.

Stat Attack

Josh Papalii made a very strong case for being the best prop in the NRL with a powerhouse display against the Roosters. In 59 minutes of game time, the Maroons and Test prop ran for 218m and scored the match-winning try. The Rabbitohs face a tough task in slowing him down.

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.