Rabbitohs v Eels: Walker injured; Penisini a late out
Languishing in 14th and 17th place respectively, the Rabbitohs and Eels need to turn things around quickly before their seasons slip away completely.
South Sydney showed plenty of heart to push the Cowboys right to the end in Magic Round but still have just the one win for the season as they continue to struggle with form and confidence.
Their injury toll is something that will continue to challenge them over the next few weeks but interim coach Ben Hornby will welcome back Jacob Host (suspension) with open arms into a depleted forward pack which has lacked punch in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the Eels' 48-16 demolition by Melbourne on Sunday came as their fourth consecutive loss and looked to be the final straw for coach Brad Arthur who was shown the door on Monday.
Star halfback Mitch Moses remains sidelined with a foot injury so Dylan Brown and Daejarn Asi again call the shots in the halves, while rookie Blaize Talagi should have taken plenty of confidence after his second hit-out at fullback.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Rabbitohs v Eels
Team News
Rabbitohs: With Cody Walker ruled out on Thursday with a calf injury, Jack Wighton will now partner rookie Dion Teaupa who has been promoted to halfback. Jacob Host's return from suspension in the back row sees Siliva Havili move to the bench with Michael Chee Kam in the centres after he was confirmed to return from a calf complaint. No further late changes.
Eels: A late blow with strike centre Will Penisini ruled out due to an infection and replaced by Morgan Harper. That change comes after Ryan Matterson (illness) was initially named but has made way, with Bryce Cartwright promoted start. Brendan Hands is the new man on the bench. Star halfback Mitch Moses remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Match: Rabbitohs v Eels
Round 12 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell MitchellFullback for Eels is number 1 Blaize Talagi
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Eels is number 2 Maika Sivo
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane MilneCentre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
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Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Michael Chee KamCentre for Eels is number 19 Morgan Harper
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob GagaiWinger for Eels is number 5 Bailey Simonsson
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Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Daejarn Asi
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Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dion TeaupaHalfback for Eels is number 7 Dylan Brown
Forwards
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Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy MoaleProp for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
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Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Eels is number 9 Joey Lussick
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Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean KeppieProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
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2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Jacob Host2nd Row for Eels is number 14 Bryce Cartwright
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2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow2nd Row for Eels is number 17 Kelma Tuilagi
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Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon KoloamatangiLock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter MamouzelosInterchange for Eels is number 11 Shaun Lane
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis DuncanInterchange for Eels is number 15 Makahesi Makatoa
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Eels is number 16 Joe Ofahengaue
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Thomas BurgessInterchange for Eels is number 18 Brendan Hands
Reserves
-
Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 19 Izaac Tu’itupou ThompsonReplacement for Eels is number 22 Luca Moretti
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won six of their past seven games against the Eels.
- The Eels have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium since 2017.
- The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past eight games at Accor Stadium.
- Eels winger Maika Sivo has scored eight tries in his last 11 games at Accor Stadium.
- South Sydney winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past four games against the Eels.
Match: Rabbitohs v Eels
Round 12 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
17th Position
away Team
Eels
15th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
