Just two years after both were playing in preliminary finals the Rabbitohs and Cowboys find themselves languishing in 17th and 12th place respectively and desperate to turn their season around.
The Rabbitohs have won just five of their past 22 matches dating back to Round 12 last year and are faced with a crippling injury toll on top of a complete lack of form and confidence.
Prolific winger Alex Johnston is a chance to return from a hamstring injury in Brisbane and Latrell Mitchell will be better for the run after coming back against the Dragons, but the Bunnies' problems lay much closer to the middle of the field than the backline.
They are being dominated up front and struggling for any sort of momentum, making them vulnerable to a Cowboys pack capable of riding roughshod over any opponent on their day.
Sadly for Todd Payten those days have been few and far between in 2024, with the Cowboys now on a five-game losing streak after leaving themselves too much to do in the closing stages against the Titans.
It seems an eternity since the Cowboys kicked off 2024 with three wins on the trot against the Dolphins, Knights and Dragons, racking up 110 points in the process, but if they can rediscover that potency they will fancy their chances of rolling over a Rabbitohs side conceding 35ppg this season.
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Team News
Rabbitohs: Prolific tryscorer Alex Johnston returns from a hamstring injury for his first game since Round 4 while Jacob Gagai is also back on deck from a calf injury on the other wing. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson shifts to the centres and Michael Chee Kam is out. Taane Milne will return from suspension on the interchange bench. Last week's debutant Matt French is the 18th man.
Cowboys: Braidon Burns will make his North Queensland debut after a mid-season transfer from South Sydney following the withdrawal of Kyle Feldt on Friday. Todd Payten welcomes back Murray Taulagi on the other wing, and prop Jordan McLean, from hamstring injuries. Semi Valemei sustained an ankle injury against the Titans and is set for surgery. Thomas Mikaele moves to the bench while Harrison Edwards selected as the 18th man.
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Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won all four Magic Round games.
- The Cowboys have won three of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Rabbitohs centre Jack Wighton will make his 250th NRL appearance.
- Cowboys second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has scored seven tries in five games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Cowboys.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.