The Sydney Roosters will travel to Accor Stadium on Friday evening to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a must-win battle.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Roosters and Rabbitohs will meet for the 253rd time on Friday evening - the second consecutive year they've met in the final round of the regular season.
Since 1998, the Red, White and Blue have beaten their arch-rivals 30 times in 49 games, although South Sydney hold the overall advantage with 131 wins from 252 matches.
Last time they met in Round 3 this year, the mighty Tricolours prevailed by two points in front of 36,639 fans at Allianz Stadium - the Home of the Roosters.
Both Clubs enter Friday night's fixture on 30 competition points - with a spot in the Top 8 up for grabs for the team who emerges victorious after 80 minutes (pending results from other games).
How They Line Up
Trent Robinson has made two changes to the line-up this week, naming James Tedesco to return at fullback and Fletcher Baker to replace Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at prop.
The remainder of the team remains unchanged, with Daniel Tupou and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wings and Billy Smith and Joseph Manu in the centres.
Luke Keary and Sam Walker continue their combination in the halves, while Baker, Brandon Smith and Lindsay Collins will line-up in the front row.
Siua Wong, Nat Butcher and Victor Radley complete the starting side in the back-row.
Sandon Smith, Egan Butcher, Terrell May and Angus Crichton have been named on the interchange bench. Corey Allan, Naufahu Whyte, Drew Hutchison, Fetalaiga Pauga and Dylan Napa feature on the extended bench.
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 27 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Blake TaaffeFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
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Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah TassCentre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
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Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell GrahamCentre for Roosters is number 18 Corey Allan
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Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Izaac Tu’itupou ThompsonWinger for Roosters is number 21 Fetalaiga Pauga
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Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Cody WalkerFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
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Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Lachlan IliasHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita TatolaProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
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Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Shaquai MitchellProp for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
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2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Siua Wong
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2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Michael Chee Kam2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
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Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Cameron MurrayLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Jai ArrowInterchange for Roosters is number 8 Fletcher Baker
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis DuncanInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Hame SeleInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Terrell May
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Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Davvy MoaleInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Angus Crichton
Reserves
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Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Taane MilneReplacement for Roosters is number 20 Drew Hutchison
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has named Blake Taffee to replace Latrell Mitchell at fullback. Izaac Thompson comes in on the wing for Taane Milne, who drops to 18th man and Tevita Tatola will start at game at prop with Jai Arrow going to the bench. Michael Chee Kam has been recalled to the back row in place of Jacob Host.
Castore Key Match Up: Brandon Smith vs Damien Cook
With many mouth-watering match-ups set to take place across the field, it's hard to overlook the battle between Brandon Smith and Damien Cook.
Since joining the Roosters, Smith has worked diligently to develop his craft, claiming two tries, forcing two goal-line drop-outs and making 12 offloads - with his attacking brilliance and ball-running catching the defence off-guard.
Smith has also been dominant in defence throughout the season, making 539 tackles, many coming at key points throughout his 18 games.
His counterpart plays a key role in the Rabbitohs' attacking flair, with his quick speed around the ruck resulting in three tries, seven try assists and two forced drop-outs.
Cook's defence has also proved pivotal to South Sydney's campaign, with the hooker making 969 tackles for an efficiency rating of 94.8%.
With everything on the line, expect Smith and Cook to lift for their respective teams - bringing experience and versatility when it counts.
What They Said
Keary: 'It's Time To Get The Job Done'
Final Verdict
With our season on the line - we need your support now more than ever! Secure your seats to Friday night's blockbuster via Ticketek.
In order to make the Top 8 - the Roosters must win in Round 27 and rely on the Panthers to defeat the Cowboys or the Sharks to beat the Raiders.
If you miss out on tickets to Accor Stadium, be sure to attend Easts Bondi Junction where you can watch the game live and loud on the big screens.
Call yourself a Rooster in 2024! With Memberships for next season now on sale, join or renew now.
