Rabbitohs v Broncos: Tatola ruled out; Carrigan to backrow
The NRL Telstra Premiership returns to the Sunshine Coast for the second time in 2023 with South Sydney playing host to the Broncos in an expected blockbuster on Friday night.
The Rabbitohs are fresh off a bye - only their second of the season - and will be looking to get into a groove with State of Origin now over and a host of troops expected back in the coming weeks.
The Broncos weren't at their best defensively against the Bulldogs, conceding 24 points at Belmore, but were too good in attack as they continue to put pressure on the Panthers for top spot on the ladder.
Both these sides met earlier in the season with the Bunnies handing the Broncos a reality check on home turf with a 32-6 thumping at Suncorp Stadium.
These are the matches the Broncos will need to start nailing if they are to prove themselves as genuine premiership contenders in 2023.
You get the feeling South Sydney's final six weeks in the competition will be electrifying as they make a run towards the finals.
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Team news
Rabbitohs: A late change sees Tevita Talo ruled out and replaced by Thomas Burgess at prop and Davvy Moale has been called onto the interchange bench.
This comes after star fullback Latrell Mitchell's return from a calf injury was put on hold on Friday with Blake Taaffe promoted to the starting side. Mitchell hasn't played since Round 12 and will now target the Round 22 clash against Wests Tigers for his comeback. Jed Cartwright has been added to the bench.
Centre Campbell Graham (sternum) and back-rower Jai Arrow (ankle) are back on deck along with Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Keaon Koloamatangi and Cameron Murray, who all return after missing Round 19 on Origin duty.
Broncos: A late change on game day sees Brendan Piakura ruled out with Patrick Carrigan shifting to second row, Martin Taupau to lock and Xavier Willison called into the side. Fullback Reece Walsh is available again after serving his suspension and returns alongside fellow representative star Payne Haas, who is back on deck after time out with an ankle injury. Those additions mean Tristan Sailor drops back to the reserves and Corey Jensen reverts to the bench after starting at prop last week. Halfback Adam Reynolds is named to play despite picking up a wrist concern in last week's win over the Bulldogs.
Match: Rabbitohs v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 14 Blake TaaffeFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah TassCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell GrahamCentre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Taane MilneWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Lachlan IliasHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Hame SeleProp for Broncos is number 8 Keenan Palasia
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas BurgessProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow2nd Row for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron MurrayLock for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Jacob HostInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Corey Jensen
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 19 Tallis DuncanInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 21 Davvy MoaleInterchange for Broncos is number 20 Xavier Willison
Reserves
-
Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Jed CartwrightReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Deine Mariner
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has 20 try assists in 16 games this season. His record for a single season is 33 in 2021.
- The Rabbitohs have won four from four at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
- The Broncos have won eight from nine away from home in 2023.
- Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham has scored six tries in his past five games against the Broncos.
- Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo has scored five tries in his past four games.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston requires one try to move to outright third on the all-time tryscorers list.
- The Broncos have come up with 77 tries in 2023. Only the Eels (82), Rabbitohs (80) and Sharks (80) have scored more four-pointers through 20 rounds.
Match: Rabbitohs v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
9th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
