Cowboys v Rabbitohs
1300 Smiles Stadium
Friday 15 April 2016
7.50pm - NRL Kick Off
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel north of the border in Round 7 of the Telstra Premiership to play their first interstate game of the season against the North Queensland Cowboys at 1300 Smiles Stadium on Friday night.
After coming up short against the Tri-colours in Round 6, the Rabbitohs will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back against a Cowboys outfit that will be looking to claim their third win on the trot.
With only two points separating second place from tenth place on the ladder, both teams know the importance of securing the two competition points on offer to cement a top eight position in a highly congested ladder.
Souths hooker, Cameron McInnes, knows that his side will need to work on consistency and make significant improvements leading into the encounter against North Queensland if they are to snare a victory.
“We need to be staying in that battle for the full 80 minutes,” said McInnes.
“A bit more execution of our game plan, that’s what we’ll really be focusing on this week,
“Obviously, the teams that are the most consistent will be the ones that are there at the end of the year.”
Click here to see Maguire’s line-up for Round 7.
South Sydney will be bolstered by the return of half-back, Adam Reynolds, who has been sidelined with a broken jaw since his sides Round 1 victory over the Roosters. The inclusion of the chief playmaker will provide the side with a morale boost as well as an added element in attack.
Rabbitohs Head Coach, Michael Maguire, praised the work of Luke Keary and Cody Walker, both of whom deputised in Reynolds’ absence.
“We had Cody (Walker) and Luke (Keary) performing and there’s improvements in all areas of our game,” said Maguire.
“But to be able to bring someone like Adam back in with the experience he’s had and obviously the various qualities of his game – whether it be kicking or running – I think it’s going to be a great addition to us.
“But everyone’s got to make sure they play their part for Adam to be able to do the things he does.”
Spotlight: The Hookers
With the reduced number of interchanges Coach Maguire has opted for a two-pronged attack when it comes to the hooking role so far this season – Cameron McInnes and Damien Cook playing the role. But while Maguire has this week opted for a more ‘go-forward’ style of bench with Cook being named outside the top 17, the tactic may still see light with Paul Carter – named at 14) a capable hooker. Cook may yet be named to play.
Similarly to South Sydney, the Cowboys have frequently employed the dual dummy-half option, playing both Jake Granville and Rory Kostjasyn in their top 17, illustrating that the quicker style of play up the ruck might suit the warmer Townsville conditions.
NYC
Cowboys v Rabbitohs
1300 Smiles Stadium
Friday 15 April 2016
Kick-off – 5.35pm
The South Sydney Rabbitohs NYC (Under 20’s) will be looking to re-join the winners’ circle when they take on the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 7 at 1300 Smiles Stadium.
After suffering a 36-10 loss at the hands of the Panthers, the Cowboys will be looking to redeem themselves and maintain their position in the top four, whilst the Junior Rabbitohs will be looking to regather the form that saw them secure three come from behind victories in four matches.
The Rabbitohs were unable to overcome the Roosters at ANZ Stadium in Round 6, with the tri-colours securing a 36-16 victory over the Red and Greens.
Look out for Rabbitohs custodian, Tom Perrin, who has impressed at the back after shifting from the wing in the early rounds of the season. The Mascot Jets junior has proved to be a key attacking element for Souths, impressing with his kick returns and support play up the middle.
