Dragons v Rabbitohs: Suli boost; Teaupa, French debut
The same old problems reared their head for the Rabbitohs under a new coach last week, with a meeting against traditional rivals the Dragons, who are seeking a return to winning ways after a tough fortnight, now on the cards.
After being embarrassed by the Roosters on ANZAC Day, St George Illawarra showed marked improvement to foot it with the Sharks in an eventual 20-10 loss last Sunday, but there’s no hiding from the fact that they’ve failed to build on their season-best performance against the Warriors back in Round 8.
A 71 percent completion rate didn’t help them last up and heading into Round 10 the Dragons average a competition-high 14 errors per game.
Still, none of that can be worse than what their opponents this week are going through, with their seventh loss of the season also bringing three fresh injury concerns.
Captain Cameron Murray will miss up to two months with a hip flexor injury, while halfback Dean Hawkins and fullback Jye Gray also copped long-term injuries.
These two clubs shared a win apiece last year, but Netstrata Jubilee Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for South Sydney traditionally, with just three wins from nine at the venue.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Dragons v Rabbitohs
Team News
Dragons: Jack de Belin will start the game with Raymond Faitala-Mariner going to the bench in a late switch. Moses Suli’s return from the NRL concussion protocol triggers a backline reshuffle, with Christian Tuipulotu unavailable due to personal reasons and Zac Lomax shifting from centre back to the wing. Luciano Leilua has fallen short in his bid to return from a calf injury. Toby Couchman is 18th man.
Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs are 1-17 with no late changes. Latrell Mitchell returns from suspension in a huge boost for a side that lost Cameron Murray, Jye Gray and Dean Hawkins to long-term injuries last week. Dion Teaupa will make his NRL debut at halfback, while Gehamat Shibasaki has been called up from Rabbitohs-affiliate club the Townsville Blackhawks and will play on the wing. Siliva Havili starts at lock in Murray’s absence, while Matthew French will play his first NRL game off the bench, with Jacob Host out through suspension.
Match: Dragons v Rabbitohs
Round 10 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Dragons is number 1 Tyrell SloanFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell Mitchell
-
Winger for Dragons is number 2 Zac LomaxWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Gehamat Shibasaki
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Centre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Jack Wighton
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Centre for Dragons is number 4 Jack BirdCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Michael Chee Kam
-
Winger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson
-
Five-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Kyle FlanaganFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
-
Halfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben HuntHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Dion Teaupa
Forwards
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Prop for Dragons is number 8 Francis MoloProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy Moale
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Hooker for Dragons is number 9 Jacob LiddleHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
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Prop for Dragons is number 10 Hame SeleProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Jaydn Su'A2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi
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2nd Row for Dragons is number 13 Tom Eisenhuth2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow
-
Lock for Dragons is number 16 Jack De BelinLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Siliva Havili
Interchange
-
Interchange for Dragons is number 11 Raymond Faitala-MarinerInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter Mamouzelos
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Interchange for Dragons is number 14 Fa'amanu BrownInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan
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Interchange for Dragons is number 15 Blake LawrieInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas Burgess
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Interchange for Dragons is number 17 Ben Murdoch-MasilaInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Matthew French
Reserves
-
Replacement for Dragons is number 20 Toby CouchmanReplacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Touch Judge: Todd Smith
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won only two of their past 11 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has scored 10 tries in nine games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have conceded 108 points in their last three games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker will make his 200th NRL appearance.
- Dragons halfback Ben Hunt has scored five tries in his past six games at Kogarah.
Match: Dragons v Rabbitohs
Round 10 -
home Team
Dragons
10th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
17th Position
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
