Rabbitohs v Storm: Walker set to start; Tui back on deck
Sitting three games outside the eight with five games to play the Rabbitohs are set to miss the finals for a second consecutive season and life doesn't get any easier with a clash against ladder leaders Melbourne.
The Storm are sure to be smarting after a shock loss to the Dragons in Round 22 cut their lead over second-placed Penrith to just two points, ensuring the race for the minor premiership would go down to the wire.
A heavyweight showdown with the Panthers awaits in Round 24 but before then the Storm will look to get back on track against a Rabbitohs outfit playing solely for pride after a season decimated by injury and suspension.
Rabbitohs stars Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell and Jai Arrow have all missed significant game time while star centre Campbell Graham's sternum injury has sidelined him for the entire season.
When the two sides met on Anzac Day the Storm ran riot in a 54-20 victory and the Rabbitohs will need all the pride and passion they can muster if they are to avoid a 13th loss for the season.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Rabbitohs v Storm
Team News
Rabbitohs: A boost for the Bunnies with halfback Cody Walker back on deck after missing last week's game with a calf injury. Michael Chee Kam comes into the back row to replace Jacob Host (abdominal strain) while Shaquai Mitchell joins the bench in place of Siliva Havili (hamstring). Peter Mamouzelos has also been added to the bench. South Sydney will line up 1-17, with Dean Hawkins the 18th man.
Storm: Prop Tui Kamikamica is back on deck after missing the Dragons game with a groin injury so Nelson Asofa-Solomona moves to the second row to fill the void left by Eli Katoa (knee). Chris Lewis joins the bench for his first NRL game since Round 3, with Tepai Moeroa moving to the reserves. Star winger Xavier Coates remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. No late changes for the Storm, with Kane Bradley the 18th man.
Match: Rabbitohs v Storm
Round 23 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye GrayFullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Fletcher MyersWinger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane MilneCentre for Storm is number 3 Jack Howarth
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Richard KennarCentre for Storm is number 4 Nick Meaney
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob GagaiWinger for Storm is number 5 Grant Anderson
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Cody WalkerHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy MoaleProp for Storm is number 8 Tui Kamikamica
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean KeppieProp for Storm is number 10 Josh King
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Cameron Murray2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Michael Chee Kam2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Trent Loiero
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon KoloamatangiLock for Storm is number 13 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter MamouzelosInterchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran Wishart
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis DuncanInterchange for Storm is number 15 Lazarus Vaalepu
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas BurgessInterchange for Storm is number 16 Chris Lewis
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Shaquai MitchellInterchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonald
Reserves
-
Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dean HawkinsReplacement for Storm is number 18 Kane Bradley
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won their last three games at Accor Stadium.
- The Storm have won nine of their past 11 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs lock Keaon Koloamatangi has scored four tries in his past three games at Accor Stadium.
- Storm winger Grant Anderson has scored five tries in his past four games.
- The Rabbitohs have lost all five games against top four opposition in 2004.
Match: Rabbitohs v Storm
Round 23 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
15th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
