NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights Finals Week One, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will take centre stage at Allianz Stadium on Friday night for a crucial finals clash against the Newcastle Knights, with both sides locked on 34 competition points and plenty on the line as the race for finals positioning intensifies.
With the regular season entering its final weeks, the Rabbitohs will be looking to build on a strong recent run of form and strengthen their position inside the top six. The Red and Green have won four of their past five matches, including commanding victories over the Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast Titans in their past two outings.
South Sydney produced an attacking masterclass against the Roosters in round 27, running out 50-20 winners at Allianz Stadium after recording a 42-22 victory over the Titans on the Gold Coast in round 26. Those results followed wins over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels, with the only blemish during that five-game stretch coming against the New Zealand Warriors in round 25.
The Rabbitohs currently sit sixth on the ladder with 14 wins and 10 losses from 24 matches, while the Knights occupy seventh spot with the same record and 34 competition points. With the two sides separated only by points differential, Friday night's contest shapes as an important battle for finals positioning.
The Rabbitohs will also be determined to avenge their most recent meeting with Newcastle, when the Knights recorded a 30-4 victory at Suncorp Stadium in round nine of the 2025 season. The Red and Green will have the benefit of home ground advantage this time around, and have a strong record in finals football at Allianz Stadium, having won both of their finals matches played at the venue.
The Rabbitohs have also been the more potent attacking side across the season, scoring 694 points compared with Newcastle's 633. Their points differential of 113 is significantly stronger than the Knights' 42, highlighting the attacking form that has helped South Sydney climb into the top six.
Captain Cameron Murray will lead the Rabbitohs from lock, with Cody Walker and Jayden Sullivan forming the halves combination. Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton will line up in the centres, while the forward pack of Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith and Keaon Koloamatangi will look to lay the platform for the side's dangerous outside backs.
Newcastle arrives in Sydney looking to arrest a recent slide after consecutive defeats to the Warriors and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. The Knights had previously won three straight matches against the Gold Coast Titans, Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos and remain a dangerous side capable of causing problems across the park.
Captain and fullback Kalyn Ponga will be central to Newcastle's attack, while the Knights boast plenty of experience and strike power through Dane Gagai, Bradman Best and the returning Dominic Young.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a confirmed squad for Friday night's clash, with Tallis Duncan moving into the starting side at second row in jersey 12 and Jai Arrow dropping out of the squad.
Euan Aitken has also been omitted, while Liam Le Blanc, Peter Mamouzelos and Talanoa Penitani have been named in the reserves.
David Fifita retains his place in the second row in jersey 11 as he celebrates his 150th career NRL appearance, while Keaon Koloamatangi starts at prop in jersey 10 for his 150th career game.
Cameron Murray will captain the side from lock, with Cody Walker and Jayden Sullivan named in the halves and Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton forming the centre combination.
Stats and Formlines
The Rabbitohs have won both of their finals matches played at Allianz Stadium and will be looking to maintain their strong record at the venue as they continue their push towards September.
Alex Johnston has been a constant threat against Newcastle throughout his career, scoring 17 tries in 11 games against the Knights. The veteran winger will be looking to add to that tally as he continues to build on his extraordinary career try-scoring record.
Latrell Mitchell also brings an impressive finals record into Friday night's contest, with the Rabbitohs centre boasting an 80 per cent winning record in finals football.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights.
Date: Friday 11 September.
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST).
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
Where to Watch: TBC.
