South Sydney travel to Dubbo's Apex Oval on Saturday to host the Raiders in a clash they'll be looking to turn around last year's result at the regional venue.
Their last opponents in Dubbo, eventual premiers Penrith, put them to the sword with a 56-12 thrashing.
Not many would've predicted both those sides would be lining up a few months later in the big dance, but the Rabbitohs proved last year that a result like that can be a catalyst for change.
This week's opponents, the Raiders, are on a roll after upsetting the Sharks in Magic Round in dominant fashion.
Ricky Stuart's side have strung two wins together and look like a team to have turned a corner after a tough start to the year.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Rabbitohs v Raiders
The Rundown
Team news
Rabbitohs: Hame Sele comes in for Davvy Moale after overcoming a calf complaint in the only change for South Sydney following their tight win at Magic Round.
Raiders: A couple of late changes before kick-off with Brad Schneider coming into the halves for Matt Frawley while Harry Rushton comes onto the bench with Ryan Sutton out. The Raiders moved Corey Harawira-Naera to 18th man on Saturday with Adam Elliott to start at lock. Zac Woolford gets another start at hooker. Prop forward Josh Papalii will play his 250th NRL game.
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Key match-up
Cody Walker v Jack Wighton: The battle of the five-eighths will be key to watch on Saturday with Jack Wighton's return to the Raiders setting up an intriguing match-up between two Indigenous All Stars representatives. Wighton has missed the past fortnight through suspension with the Raiders going on a two-game winning run without him. Walker was dynamite against the Warriors in the first half last week and will want to replicate that against a Raiders' right-side edge that will need to be on high alert.
Stat Attack
Ill-discipline has been a bit of an issue for both sides in 2022 with the Rabbitohs (109) leading the unwanted stat in handling errors and the Raiders giving away the most penalties to start the year with 75. Canberra's 102 handling errors also ranks in the top five, indicating neither team is afraid at throwing the ball around but must also be willing to shut-up shop when required and get through their sets.
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