We look at four burning questions facing the Rabbitohs ahead of Friday’s Round 7 NRL clash against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.
Is Reynolds Available?
If Adam Reynolds’ own personal assessment rings true, the World All Stars halfback could be on track for an inclusion in this week’s team to take on the Cowboys opposite Johnathan Thurston. The Souths Junior has been training at Redfern in recent weeks following his Round 1 injury against the Roosters. His potential inclusion will no doubt cause selection headaches for Head Coach, Michael Maguire, who now has three playmakers to choose from in the form of Reynolds, Cody Walker and Luke Keary.
What’s the wing/centre formula?
The recent return of Kirisome Auva’a to the Rabbitohs centres has given Coach Maguire plenty of options to play with, and with regular winger Alex Johnston sidelined, the mentor hasn’t been afraid to experiment and shuffle players around. Bryson Goodwin has found himself deputising on the wing, while the likes of Michael Oldfield have also done the job in previous matches. Former Queensland Origin player Dane Nielsen has also been plying his trade for the North Sydney Bears in recent weeks, adding further options for the Club’s outside backs. Hymel Hunt and Aaron Gray have proved consistent inclusions for the men in Red and Green.
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When will the dummy-half switch happen?
The one-two punch of Cameron McInnes and Damien Cook at dummy-half has been a mainstay of South Sydney’s game since Round 1, but the question is when to make that all-important switch. McInnes has been Maguire’s primary starter, with Cook plying his trade in the later stages of the first half or early in the second. With the reduced interchange, coupled with the two hookers’ differing styles of play, Maguire is blessed with options when it comes to the utilisation of his dummy halves.
Clash of the Queenslanders
Two of the game’s brightest stars come together on Friday night when Greg Inglis comes up against fellow Queensland Origin, Indigenous All Stars and Australian teammate, Johnathan Thurston. Despite playing in vastly different positions (Inglis at fullback while Thurston plays half) both play vital roles for their respective teams. Will the two come together on the field come Friday night?
