The Sydney Roosters claimed an emphatic victory against South Sydney last Friday to open Allianz Stadium, but they'll need to replicate that in order to continue their finals run or face an early exit.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
It's not the first time that the Roosters and Rabbitohs face one another in back-to-back weeks - Roosters Members and supporters will only have to cast their eyes back to 2019 in what was a memorable victory.
The Tricolours were defeated by their opponents in the final round of the season, but bounced back in style in a 30-6 demolition job at the Sydney Cricket Ground to earn a well-deserved week off en route to their Premiership triumph.
Last week saw the Roosters mark the opening of Allianz Stadium with an emphatic 26-16 victory, but it's all on the line this weekend as the finals series kicks off.
Round 25 Highlights: Roosters vs Rabbitohs
How They Line Up
Trent Robinson's side has a number of changes following the 26-16 victory, with Daniel Tupou, Joseph Suaalii and Victor Radley returning in a massive boost for the Tricolours.
Captain James Tedesco lines up at fullback, Tupou returns to the wing with Paul Momirovski and Drew Hutchison lining up in the centres and Suaalii on the right flank.
Luke Keary and Sam Walker once again line up in the halves, while the front row features Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Verrills and Siosiua Taukeiaho who retains his starting spot.
Match: Roosters v Rabbitohs
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Rabbitohs
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Latrell Mitchell
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah Tass
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Drew HutchisonCentre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso SuaaliiWinger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Taane Milne
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke KearyFive-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody Walker
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Lachlan Ilias
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam VerrillsHooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook
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Prop for Roosters is number 17 Matthew LodgeProp for Rabbitohs is number 10 Mark Nicholls
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron Murray
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua TaukeiahoInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Kodi Nikorima
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Hame Sele
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan ButcherInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas Burgess
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Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Kevin NaiqamaInterchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Siliva Havili
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 16 Adam Keighran
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Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 21 Michael Chee Kam
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
The back row of Angus Crichton and Nat Butcher maintain their partnership, with Radley slotting back into the side with the no.13 jersey on his back.
On the interchange bench, Connor Watson is joined by Egan Butcher, Adam Keighran and Lodge, with the extended bench featuring Kevin Naiqama, Terrell May, Oliver Gildart, Fletcher Baker and Siua Wong.
South Sydney have a returning duo in Damien Cook and Campbell Graham, while their captain Cameron Murray has been named despite being taken off the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) last start.
Key Match Up: Sam Walker vs Lachlan Ilias
Both in their early 20s, Sam Walker and Lachlan Ilias, much like their respective teams, have grown throughout 2022 to solidify a spot in the NRL finals series.
Walker has been a constant threat with the ball for the Tricolours, scoring seven tries, assisting fifteen, making ten linebreak assists and forcing sixteen drop outs in a stellar second year in the top grade.
In his rookie season, the recently re-signed Ilias has been a solid contributor for the Rabbitohs in the no.7 jersey, scoring four tries, laying on a further eleven, assisting in eleven linebreaks and forcing fifteen drop outs to boot.
We all know the likes of James Tedesco, Luke Keary, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker will have their own personal battles, but keep an eye on these two young playmakers to make the difference.
What They Said:
Final Verdict
Everything is on the line on Sunday afternoon and for both teams, a first-week exit from the 2022 NRL finals will be a disappointment.
The Tricolours will be buoyed by last week's win but will need to go up another gear in order to progress through and continue their hot streak - and we all know what our opponents will bring to the table.
For the Love of the Game
With plenty of benefits including priority to purchase finals tickets, merchandise discounts as well as the best seating at Allianz Stadium, be sure to Call Yourself a Rooster in 2023 with Sydney Roosters Membership!