South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors Verdict
The Rabbitohs have been given a +5.5 start on the line and I think they can stay within that in a competitive game. South Sydney are still trying to wrap up a finals spot and can score 20+ points chasing the win.
- Rabbitohs have won their last eight games at Accor
- Rabbitohs have scored 28+ points in nine of their last 10 games vs Warriors
- Rabbitohs have scored 20+ points in seven of their last nine games
- Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in his last 12 games at Accor - including 1+ in his last 11. Johnson also has 26 tries in 18 games this season
- Campbell Graham has scored five tries in his last five games, along with 1+ in his last four appearances at Accor
Head To Head
Rabbitohs have won eight of the last 10 meetings, but it's been the Warriors who have prevailed in the last two.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Form
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster season for Souths, but they have their finals destiny in their own hands and really should be making the eight from here.
Wayne Bennett's side increased their lead over the ninth-placed Bulldogs to four points with three rounds remaining and could go a long way towards securing finals footy with an upset win here.
After surviving a second-half comeback from the Eels to prevail 28-24, the Rabbitohs backed it up with a strong 80-minute performance against the Bulldogs last week, coming away with a dominant 22-6 victory.
Souths produced some excellent goal-line defence early to hold up the Dogs twice over the line before taking their chances in attack, with their potent left-edge again running riot as David Fifita and Johnston crossed for tries.
Wayne Bennett's side increased their lead over the ninth-placed Bulldogs to four points with three rounds remaining and could go a long way towards securing finals footy with an upset win here.
New Zealand Warriors Form
Surely Andrew Webster is a lock for coach of the year?
What he's done with this Warriors side has been remarkable and they head into Round 25 in second spot on the ladder as they look to claim a top two spot and a home game in the opening week of the finals.
The Warriors have won 15 of their 21 games for the season, despite various injury troubles - mostly to their halves.
After bashing Penrith from pillar to post the previous week, there was no hangover for the Warriors as they demolished the Broncos 40-6 last week, with Chanel Harris-Tavita stepping up as Luke Metcalf went off with a freak hamstring injury during a conversion attempt.
Rabbitohs vs Warriors Team News
Latrell Mitchell has been named in the reserves as he tries to make a comeback before the finals.
Adam Elliott is out with a groin injury, with Liam Le Blanc joining the bench and Euan Aitken promoted to the starting side.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is suspended for the next two games, so Taine Tuaupiki starts at fullback, while Luke Hanson comes into the halves for Metcalf, with Harris-Tavita moving into the No. 7 jersey. Morgan Gannon joins the bench.