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Rabbitohs v Roosters: Trell named at centre; Watson, Foketi return
One of rugby league's oldest rivalries resumes at Accor Stadium on Friday night when the Rabbitohs and Roosters meet for the 234th time in their history.
The two foundation clubs have started the 2025 season in contrasting fashion - Wayne Bennett guiding the Rabbitohs to a 3-1 record on the back of wins over the Dolphins, Dragons and Panthers, while the Roosters have conceded an average of 31.5 points per game and are languishing at 1-3.
The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, are giving up 21 points per game this season compared to 28.4ppg in 2024 and they will need to lift even more in defence to contain the likes of James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton.
The Roosters have won their past four clashes against Souths and at Accor Stadium they hold an 11-9 advantage in 20 meetings.
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 5 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
away Team
Roosters
15th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Rabbitohs: In-form fullback Jye Gay holds his spot in the No.1 jersey and Latrell Mitchell will line up at centre in his return from a hamstring injury. Isaiah Tass pushes out to the wing to replace Alex Johnston (ribs). Lachlan Hubner's return from suspension at lock sees Tallis Duncan move to the bench and Liam Le Blanc to 18th man. No changes in Thursday's 24-hour update.
Roosters: A change 24 hours out from kick-off with centre Mark Nawaqanitawase dropping out, his place taken by Billy Smith in his first game since late 2023. Hooker Connor Watson (concussion) and bench forward Salesi Foketi (suspension) are both back on deck so Zach Dockar-Clay goes to the bench and Hugo Savala makes way. Lindsay Collins has been named to start at prop with Spencer Leniu moving to the bench. Nat Butcher takes over at lock from Victor Radley (cheekbone).
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye GrayFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Isaiah TassWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Latrell MitchellCentre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack WightonCentre for Roosters is number 21 Billy Smith
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Mikaele RavalawaWinger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sandon Smith
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Jamie HumphreysHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Sean KeppieProp for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay Collins
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Peter MamouzelosHooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Tevita TatolaProp for Roosters is number 10 Naufahu Whyte
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Lachlan HubnerLock for Roosters is number 13 Nat Butcher
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jayden SullivanInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-Clay
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Salesi Foketi
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Tallis DuncanInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Blake Steep
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Davvy MoaleInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Spencer Leniu
Reserves
-
Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Liam Le BlancReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Hugo Savala
-
Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Fletcher MyersReserve for Roosters is number 19 Makahesi Makatoa
Rabbitohs Ins
- Lachlan Hubner
- Latrell Mitchell
Roosters Ins
- Connor Watson
- Makahesi Makatoa
- Salesi Foketi
Rabbitohs Outs
- Alex Johnston
Roosters Ins
- Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Victor Radley
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Roosters at Accor Stadium.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco has scored five tries in his last three games against the Rabbitohs.
- The Rabbitohs have lost their last four games against the Roosters.
- Roosters hooker Connor Watson will reach the milestone of 150 NRL games.
- Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has scored four tries in his last six games against the Roosters.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
