Another chapter will be written in one of the game's great rivalries on Friday when the Roosters and Rabbitohs meet at Allianz Stadium.
The rivalry never needs any extra motivation, but after suffering back-to-back losses, South Sydney will be desperate to get on the board or otherwise face a 0-3 record to start the season.
After going down to the Sea Eagles and Broncos, coach Jason Demetriou has shaken things up with Dean Hawkins taking the reins at halfback, while new recruit Jack Wighton will also be welcomed into the centres.
Meanwhile, following a big win over the Broncos in Las Vegas, the Roosters were brought back down to earth by Manly on Sunday and now have just five days to prepare for the Friday night blockbuster.
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Despite staying in the contest until the dying stages, there's no questioning where it all went wrong for the Tricolours after coughing up 20 errors and finishing with just 42 per cent of possession.
The task only gets bigger for the Roosters after news they'll be without veteran Luke Keary (concussion) with coach Trent Robinson handing Connor Watson his first opportunity in the top grade since suffering an ACL injury in 2022.
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Team News
Roosters: Luke Keary (concussion) is out with 21-year-old Sandon Smith named to play alongside Sam Walker in the halves. Siua Wong has dropped down to the reserves with Nat Butcher joining the starting side and Kangaroos forward Angus Crichton set to play his first NRL game of the year off the bench. Utility Connor Watson makes his long-awaited return, lining up in jersey No.14 for his first NRL game since the 2022 qualifying final. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will run out for his 300th NRL match after debuting at Manly in 2009. Michael Jennings is 18th man.
Rabbitohs: Damien Cook moves to the bench in a swap with Siliva Havili amid a raft of changes for Souths. Last year’s NSW Cup player of the year Dean Hawkins named at No.7 and Lachlan Ilias dropped to the reserves. Former Raider Jack Wighton returns from suspension to partner Isaiah Tass in the centres with Richie Kennar dropping out of the side. Prop Davvy Moale has been named in the starting side with Sean Keppie reverting to the bench. Jacob Host is the new face on an edge. Michael Chee Kam is 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won three of their past four games against the Rabbitohs.
- The Rabbitohs have won only four of their past 15 NRL games.
- The Roosters have won seven of their 10 games at the new Allianz Stadium.
- Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will play his 300th NRL game.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.