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