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Rabbitohs v Eels: Walker injured; Penisini a late out

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Languishing in 14th and 17th place respectively, the Rabbitohs and Eels need to turn things around quickly before their seasons slip away completely.

South Sydney showed plenty of heart to push the Cowboys right to the end in Magic Round but still have just the one win for the season as they continue to struggle with form and confidence. 

Their injury toll is something that will continue to challenge them over the next few weeks but interim coach Ben Hornby will welcome back Jacob Host (suspension) with open arms into a depleted forward pack which has lacked punch in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the Eels' 48-16 demolition by Melbourne on Sunday came as their fourth consecutive loss and looked to be the final straw for coach Brad Arthur who was shown the door on Monday.

Star halfback Mitch Moses remains sidelined with a foot injury so Dylan Brown and Daejarn Asi again call the shots in the halves, while rookie Blaize Talagi should have taken plenty of confidence after his second hit-out at fullback.

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Team News

Rabbitohs: With Cody Walker ruled out on Thursday with a calf injury, Jack Wighton will now partner rookie Dion Teaupa who has been promoted to halfback. Jacob Host's return from suspension in the back row sees Siliva Havili move to the bench with Michael Chee Kam in the centres after he was confirmed to return from a calf complaint. No further late changes. 

Eels: A late blow with strike centre Will Penisini ruled out due to an infection and replaced by Morgan Harper. That change comes after Ryan Matterson (illness) was initially named but has made way, with Bryce Cartwright promoted start. Brendan Hands is the new man on the bench. Star halfback Mitch Moses remains sidelined with a foot injury.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell Mitchell
    Fullback for Eels is number 1 Blaize Talagi
  • Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
    Winger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
  • Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane Milne
    Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
  • Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Michael Chee Kam
    Centre for Eels is number 19 Morgan Harper
  • Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob Gagai
    Winger for Eels is number 5 Bailey Simonsson
  • Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack Wighton
    Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Daejarn Asi
  • Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dion Teaupa
    Halfback for Eels is number 7 Dylan Brown

Forwards

  • Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy Moale
    Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  • Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
    Hooker for Eels is number 9 Joey Lussick
  • Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie
    Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
  • 2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Jacob Host
    2nd Row for Eels is number 14 Bryce Cartwright
  • 2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow
    2nd Row for Eels is number 17 Kelma Tuilagi
  • Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon Koloamatangi
    Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood

Interchange

  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter Mamouzelos
    Interchange for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan
    Interchange for Eels is number 15 Makahesi Makatoa
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Siliva Havili
    Interchange for Eels is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue 
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Thomas Burgess
    Interchange for Eels is number 18 Brendan Hands

Reserves

  • Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 19 Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson
    Replacement for Eels is number 22 Luca Moretti

Match Officials

  • Referee: Chris Butler
  • Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
  • Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Rabbitohs have won six of their past seven games against the Eels.
  • The Eels have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium since 2017.
  • The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past eight games at Accor Stadium.
  • Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored eight tries in his last 11 games at Accor Stadium.
  • South Sydney winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past four games against the Eels.

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

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