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Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers: Havili returns; Da Silva in for Api

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Timestamp

The Bunnies nearly stole a late win against the top eight Dolphins late round, but some wayward goal-kicking saw their run of five straight wins come to a halt after going down 36-28.

For Round 20, they will take their game to Gosford and take on a desperate Wests Tigers side who put what coach Benji Marshall has described as their worst performance of the season in going down 58-6 to the Sharks.

To make matters worse, skipper Api Koroisau suffered a calf injury and would be in some doubt for this match, with team-mate Alex Seyfarth set to be unavailable after leaving the field early in the second half after suffering a head knock and displaying Category 1 symptoms. 

Rabbitohs skipper Cameron Murray was to be the sole Origin representative in this game but he copped a two-game ban for Contrary Conduct after Origin Three.

Team News

Rabbitohs: Cameron Murray will miss the next two games after pleading guilty to a Contrary Conduct charge after the Origin melee, with Tallis Duncan to come into the starting side on Saturday afternoon. Liam Le Blanc has earned a promotion to the interchange after being initially named in the extended squad. The pack is also missing Jai Arrow, who underwent shoulder surgery during the week. Siliva Havili is also set to return from a calf injury on the bench. No further  changes an hour before kick-off with Dion Teaupa the 18th man.

Wests Tigers: The Tigers will line up 1-17 as named on Tuesday. Captain Api Koroisau has failed to overcome a calf injury in time for Saturday's game, with the hooker dropping out of the extended squad on Friday. Tallyn Da Silva has been named to start at hooker, while Luke Laulilii comes in on the wing for the injured Alex Lobb. Prop Alex Twal is set for his return from a head knock.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
    Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
  • Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
    Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Luke Laulilii
  • Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane Milne
    Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Adam Doueihi
  • Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Richard Kennar
    Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Solomona Faataape
  • Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob Gagai
    Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Charlie Staines
  • Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack Wighton
    Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
  • Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Cody Walker
    Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer

Forwards

  • Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy Moale
    Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano  Utoikamanu
  • Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
    Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
  • Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie
    Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
  • 2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Michael Chee Kam
    2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 John Bateman
  • 2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan
    2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
  • Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon Koloamatangi
    Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Fonua Pole

Interchange

  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter Mamouzelos
    Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas Burgess
    Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Siliva Havili
    Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Sione Fainu
  • Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 20 Liam Le Blanc
    Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Jordan Miller

Reserves

  • Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dion Teaupa
    Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Justin Matamua

Match Officials

  • Referee: Wyatt Raymond
  • Touch Judge: Jon Stone
  • Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Tigers.
  • The Tigers have not won in Gosford since 2011.
  • Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past five games against the Tigers.
  • Wests Tigers have conceded 138 points in their past three games.
  • Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook will make his 200th NRL appearance for the club.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,  

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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.