While the Rabbitohs got to put their feet up during a bye in Round 16, games don't come much tougher than what the Cowboys had to endure last Friday.
In a contest which lasted 88 minutes in total, North Queensland earned victory over the Panthers at home thanks to some individual brilliance from Scott Drinkwater in the second period of golden point, but it remains to be seen what toll that might take on them this week.
Prior to the bye the Rabbitohs had arguably their worst showing of the year in a 36-30 loss to the Dragons, which was made to look better by three late tries which reduced the final margin.
Recent history is firmly against the Cowboys in this one, with just under six years having passed since they last tasted victory over South Sydney and the Rabbitohs enjoying seven straight wins against them.
At Accor Stadium this year the Bunnies have won four of six, while the Cowboys have lost four of their past five at the venue.
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Team News
Rabbitohs: A late switch sees Jacob Host start in the second row and Jed Cartwright move back to the bench, while Peter Mamouzelos joins the bench at the expense of Michael Chee Kam. Damien Cook and Cameron Murray will both start after playing for NSW mid-week, while Cody Walker returns from a quad strain. Tom Burgess makes his return from a back injury via the bench. Coach Jason Demetriou confirmed on Saturday that Latrell Mitchell won't return until Round 21 due to a lingering calf injury.
Cowboys: All five Origin representatives will back up after initially being named in the extended reserves, with Murray Taulagi, Val Holmes, Reece Robson and Jeremiah Nanai starting. Reuben Cotter will come off the bench after playing all 80 minutes for Queensland on Wednesday night and making a team-high 44 tackles. Kyle Feldt drops out of the 17 to be the replacement player, while Jake Granville replaces Jason Taumalolo (hamstring) at lock.
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Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won their past seven games against the Cowboys.
- The Cowboys have won only two from seven against top-eight opposition in 2023.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored six tries in his past three games against the Cowboys
- On average North Queensland miss 10 tackles more than the Rabbitohs in games this season. The Cowboys are the NRL's worst offender, averaging 38.5 misses per match, while the Rabbitohs have the second fewest at an average of 28.5.
- Reece Robson and Damien Cook have the same number of total dummy-half runs (81) this season.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.