Eels v Rabbitohs: Tago, Guymer to debut; Trell, Murray return
South Sydney have bounced back in a big way in recent weeks, with their current four-game winning streak starting with their big 42-26 win over the Eels in Round 12.
Parramatta will be looking to avoid a four-straight defeat this Thursday night when they launch Round 18 at CommBank Stadium against the Bunnies.
The Bunnies come into the match fresh from a bye, while the Eels would have worked hard to overcome the frustration of their defeat last week in a see-sawing match at the hands of the Knights, where they let their half-time lead slip.
Blues star Mitchell Moses backed up from Origin, but was not able to repeat his heroics for his side who in the end were bested by a late double to Bradman Best in Newcastle's six-tries-to-five win.
Parramatta junior Matt Arthur made a solid effort in his NRL debut and maintains his spot in the 17.
For the Bunnies, Origin representatives Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray are back in the fold as they go in search of a fifth win on the trot.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Eels v Rabbitohs
Team News
Eels: A new hamstring injury to Maika Sivo brings Jake Tago in on the wing for his NRL debut while back-rower Charlie Guymer will also make his debut off the bench. Makahesi Makatoa is the man to make way. Just one change 60 minutes before kickoff, with Joe Ofahengaue promoted to the starting side and Junior Paulo moving to the interchange. Daejarn Asi remains 18th man.
Rabbitohs: Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell are back after missing the win over Manly on Blues Origin duty so Michael Chee Kam goes to the bench and Jye Gray to 18th man. Liam Le Blanc goes back to the reserves after debuting in Round 16. No changes in the final update before kickoff, with Jye Gray remaining 18th man and Le Blanc dropping out.
Match: Eels v Rabbitohs
Round 18 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Clinton GuthersonFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell Mitchell
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Jake TagoWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane Milne
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Sean RussellCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Richard Kennar
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Blaize TalagiWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob Gagai
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack Wighton
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell MosesHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Cody Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Eels is number 8 Reagan Campbell-GillardProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy Moale
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Hooker for Eels is number 9 Brendan HandsHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
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Prop for Eels is number 15 Joe OfahengaueProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie
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2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Ryan Matterson2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Cameron Murray
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2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Bryce Cartwright2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow
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Lock for Eels is number 13 Shaun LaneLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon Koloamatangi
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter Mamouzelos
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Interchange for Eels is number 14 Matthew ArthurInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan
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Interchange for Eels is number 16 Matt DooreyInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas Burgess
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Interchange for Eels is number 17 Charlie GuymerInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Michael Chee Kam
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 18 Daejarn AsiReplacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Jye Gray
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have not defeated the Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium since 2019.
- The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Blaize Talagi has scored at least one try in his last six NRL games.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in 14 games against the Eels.
Match: Eels v Rabbitohs
Round 18 -
home Team
Eels
17th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
13th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
