NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos RD15, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will host the Brisbane Broncos in a special Thursday night clash at Accor Stadium, with kick-off set for 7:50pm (AEST) in round 15.
This is a night that carries enormous significance for the Club, as round 15 is dedicated to celebrating the career of recently retired Rabbitoh Jai Arrow. Arrow will ring the Legacy Bell before kick-off in what promises to be a fitting tribute to his contribution to the Red and Green. Fans heading to the ground should note that general public gates open at 7pm, with corporate gates opening at 6:30pm. Be sure to collect the limited edition Thank You Jai poster and Jai Arrow head cut-outs at Gates J/K on your way in. The Rabbitohs will wear a special ‘whiteout’ playing strip in Thursday night’s round 15 clash with the Brisbane Broncos, highlighting and honouring recently retired player, Jai Arrow.
The all-white playing strip will see the Rabbitohs’ usual red and green stripes replaced with white stripes. All of the Rabbitohs’ playing kit sponsors have also agreed to have their logos whited-out, creating a striking look to the Rabbitohs one-off playing kit. The only colour on the jersey will be the name ‘ARROW’ across the shoulders of every player in green, turning all attention to Jai Arrow as an inspiration to everyone fighting motor neurone disease or those willing to stand beside Jai in his fight against the insidious disease. The players jersey numbers will be black.
The Rabbitohs head into this contest sitting in eighth position on the ladder with six wins and six losses from 12 matches. South Sydney are on a three-game losing run, having gone down 14-28 to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in round 14, 18-30 to the North Queensland Cowboys in round 12, and 10-32 to the Dolphins in round 11. Their last victory came in round 10 when they defeated the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 36-12 at Accor Stadium.
The Broncos arrive in Sydney in 12th position, having won five and lost eight from 13 games. Brisbane are enduring a torrid stretch, currently on a five-game losing run. Their most recent results include a 23-28 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in round 14, a 26-30 defeat to the St. George Illawarra Dragons in round 13, and a 12-42 loss to the New Zealand Warriors in round 11.
For the Rabbitohs, captain Cody Walker will steer the side from five-eighth. Walker currently sits on 195 career try assists, just five away from the milestone of 200. Alongside him in the halves is Ashton Ward at halfback, while Jye Gray lines up at fullback.
Both sides need a result here. The Rabbitohs are looking to arrest their slide and consolidate their position inside the top eight, while the Broncos are desperate to snap a five-game losing streak that has seen them slip to 12th. With both teams missing key personnel, this shapes as a contest where effort and execution will be paramount. The Red and Green faithful will be hoping the emotion of Jai Arrow's celebration night can lift the side back into the winner's circle at their home ground.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a side with several changes from the round 14 loss to Manly-Warringah. Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham and Sean Keppie are all out of the squad, with Jayden Sullivan, John Radel and Dayne Jennings among those coming into the extended squad. Jai Arrow is named in the reserves in jersey 23, meaning he could feature in his celebration match. Cody Walker captains the side from five-eighth.
For the Brisbane Broncos, they are without several high-profile names. Fullback Reece Walsh, prop Payne Haas and centre Kotoni Staggs are all missing from the squad. Hayze Perham fills in at fullback, while Antonio Verhoeven comes into the centres. Jordan Riki returns to the second row, and veteran Ben Hunt is named on the interchange bench alongside Ezra Mam. Adam Reynolds captains the side from halfback.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos
Date: Thursday 11 June
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
