📰 NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Titans RD26, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel to the Gold Coast this Saturday afternoon for a crucial round 26 clash against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm (AEST).

With two rounds remaining in the regular season, the Rabbitohs enter the weekend sitting seventh on the ladder with 12 wins from 22 games and looking to respond after last week's heavy 45-26 loss to the New Zealand Warriors. South Sydney had previously won consecutive matches against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels and will be determined to return to the winners' circle as the finals race reaches its closing stages.

The Titans sit 16th on the ladder with six wins from 22 games and arrive at Cbus Super Stadium on a four-game losing streak. Gold Coast's recent defeats have come against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys and New Zealand Warriors, with their most recent victory coming in round 21 against the St. George Illawarra Dragons.

Despite the difference between the two sides on the ladder, the Rabbitohs know they cannot afford to take the Titans lightly. South Sydney has won its last 10 games against Gold Coast, while the Titans have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Cbus Super Stadium since 2009. The most recent meeting between the sides saw South Sydney claim a narrow 20-18 victory at the same venue in round 23 of 2025.

Saturday's clash will also carry special significance for Rabbitohs co-captain Jai Arrow, who has been named to start at lock for his 99th South Sydney NRL game. Arrow will take the field before being interchanged in the opening moments, with Cameron Murray replacing him at kick-off. The Titans will wear a special Stand With Jai jersey celebrating Arrow's career across the Titans, Rabbitohs and Broncos, with funds raised from the jerseys donated to Jai and his family in their fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

Alex Johnston continues to add to his remarkable NRL try-scoring record, having surpassed Ken Irvine's mark of 212 tries and now sitting on 238 career tries. Matthew Dufty is also one try assist away from reaching 50 career try assists, while Campbell Graham has reached 75 career tries and has been named on the wing.

Team Changes

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named Jai Arrow in the starting side at lock for his 99th South Sydney NRL appearance, with co-captain Cameron Murray to replace him at kick-off.

Jamie Humphreys, Adam Elliott and Latrell Mitchell have all been named on the extended interchange bench. David Fifita lines up in the second row in jersey number 11 and is just two games away from reaching 150 career NRL appearances. Keaon Koloamatangi packs down at prop after recently reaching 100 career points and 25 career tries.

Match Details

Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Gold Coast Titans

Round: 26

Date: Saturday 29 August 2026

Kick-off: 3pm (AEST)

Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast