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Rabbitohs v Sharks: Mitchell banned, Cook dropped; Nikora back on deck

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The Rabbitohs head into a must-win clash against the Sharks without suspended fullback Latrell Mitchell and low on confidence after a demoralising 34-4 loss to the Warriors.

Languishing in last spot on the ladder with one win from five games, the Rabbitohs are averaging just 14 points per game compared to 23.5 per game last season.

They must now try and find a way through a gritty Sharks side that boasts one of the best defences in the NRL and is revitalised after coming off a Round 5 bye.

Mitchell's suspension adds to the woes for the Bunnies, who are also missing star backs Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham to injury, robbing them of much of their potency.

The Sharks have made a solid start to the season with wins over the Warriors, Bulldogs and Raiders and have been boosted by the return of Briton Nikora from suspension.

With Nicho Hynes calling the shots in fine style on the back of a tireless forward pack, the Sharks have settled into a groove and will look to consolidate their strong start with games against the Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Raiders and Dragons in the next month.

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Team News

Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs are 1-17 with no late changes. Latrell Mitchell's three-game ban sees Jye Gray come in at fullback for his NRL debut while Tyrone Munro comes in on the wing having recovered from a collarbone injury. Peter Mamouzelo is the new hooker with Damien Cook left out. Three new faces on the bench with Shaquai Mitchell back from a head knock and Siliva Havili and Davvy Moale also joining the 17. Jacob Gagai is 18th man.

Sharks: A late inclusion for the Sharks with Toby Rudolf back from an ankle injury to replace Billy Burns on the bench. Briton Nikora's return from suspension in the back row pushing Siosifa Talakai to the bench and Daniel Atkinson to 18th man. Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee) remains sidelined as does Dale Finucane (facial injury).

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
    Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
  • Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Tyrone Munro
    Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
  • Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Jack Wighton
    Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
  • Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Isaiah Tass
    Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
  • Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Taane Milne
    Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
  • Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
    Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
  • Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Dean Hawkins
    Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Forwards

  • Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
    Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton
  • Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Peter Mamouzelos
    Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
  • Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Thomas Burgess
    Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
  • 2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
  • 2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jacob Host
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
  • Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray
    Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Interchange

  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Michael Chee Kam
    Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack Williams
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Siliva Havili
    Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Siosifa Talakai
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Shaquai Mitchell
    Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Tuku  Hau Tapuha
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Davvy Moale
    Interchange for Sharks is number 20 Toby Rudolf

Reserves

  • Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 19 Jacob Gagai
    Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Daniel Atkinson

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
  • Senior Review Official: Adam Gee

Last updated:

Stat Attack 

  • The Rabbitohs have won their past seven games against the Sharks at Accor Stadium.
  • Sharks left winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 10 tries in his past 10 games.
  • The Rabbitohs are conceding an average of 32 points per game.
  • Sharks right winger Sione Katoa has scored five tries in four games against the Rabbitohs.
  • The Rabbitohs have won only five of their past 18 NRL games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .

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