We look at four burning questions facing the Rabbitohs ahead of Friday’s Round 6 NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium.
Who will play in the back-row?
The men in Red and Green continue to put their best foot forward when it comes to claiming positions, and in no area is that more evident than in the Club’s back-row. From Kyle Turner to Nathan Brown, and Chris Grevsmuhl to Jason Clark and Paul Carter, the Rabbitohs engine-room is being stoked with significant fire-power on both sides of the ball. With the long-term injury of John Sutton, the door has been left ajar for the aforementioned – plus many more – to stake their claim, causing a number of enviable headaches for Coach Michael Maguire. Who will it be this week?
Where will Sam play?
Sam Burgess successfully returned from his week-long precautionary stint on the sideline to play in the front row against Manly, and the Englishman did his bit for the side by playing the full 80 minutes, racking up 125 metres while also making 30 tackles. But with the dual international providing plenty in the way of wide-running devastation when lined up in the back-row, his tenure up front could be short-lived. Will he return to play lock sometime in the near future? Either way, Burgess is sure to bring his fiery brand of go-forward and unpredictability no matter what the number on his back.
Have you jumped on board yet? Join the team in 2016 by becoming a Rabbitohs Member NOW!
Who will be winging it?
With Alex Johnston on the sideline owing to injury, the Rabbitohs one wing position has become a prime target for Souths outside backs in waiting. To Michael Oldfield went the honour of filling the position against the Sea Eagles despite Kirisome Auva’a being named in the position earlier in the week – ‘Somi’ moving to the centres. Oldfield has shown solid signs so far and could be about to given the chance again against the Roosters.
When will ‘Reyno’ return?
In a recent Alcatel High Performance Update, Rabbitohs High Performance Manager, Troy Thomson, cited that Club halfback Adam Reynolds is not far off a return to the field after cracking his jaw in Round 1. The halfback himself recently told the Rugby League media that he is well on the improve and sounded out a possible return in Round 7 or 8 – a position Thomson concurs with. Scans over the coming weeks will ultimately be the deciding factor.
The Rabbitohs will take on the Sydney Roosters in the deciding Ron Coote Cup clash at ANZ Stadium in Friday Night Football this Friday night! Click here to purchase tickets.
