Rabbitohs v Tigers
Thursday 28 April 2016
7.50pm- NRL Kick Off
After two weeks on the road, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will return to ANZ Stadium for their first Thursday night home fixture of the season when they take on the Wests Tigers in Round 9 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
The Rabbitohs will be looking to build on their improved display against the Brisbane Broncos, which saw the Red and Greens go down 30-8 at Suncorp Stadium. In a match characterised by grit and determination, Souths were resilient and remained in the contest for the vast majority of the match against the ladder-leaders.
Rabbitohs forward, Jason Clark, knows that there is plenty of room for improvement against the Tigers.
“As a team (we need to work on) our completions, holding the ball and getting down their end,” said Clark.
“If we can get it down their end and force some drop-outs and repeat sets, we’re in good strides to keep going forward.”
For the Tigers – who were comprehensively defeated 60-6 by the Canberra Raiders in the last round – Thursday night’s clash against the Rabbitohs will provide them with a shot at redemption.
Have you become a 2016 Member yet? Join NOW!
Although the Rabbitohs have not played at home since Round 6 against the Roosters; South Sydney Members have turned out in force in both Townsville and Brisbane – a trend that front-rower, Thomas Burgess, knows will carry over into the return home on Thursday night.
“I can’t wait to get back to ANZ Stadium- we’re looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd,” said Burgess.
“We’ve been away, but it’s felt quite homely up in Townsville and then in Brisbane.
“Everyone’s been really supportive of us – that just shows the spirit of the Rabbitohs members.”
With Hymel Hunt sidelined with a pectoral injury, Kirisome Auva’a will slot into the outside backs to for the Red and Greens. Despite the loss of Hunt, Souths will be bolstered by the return of front-rower, George Burgess and back-rower, Kyle Turner, who have recovered from injuries that prevented them from taking the field against the Broncos, while Adam Reynolds has also been named after receiving medical clearance.
The Rabbitohs will take on the Wests Tigers this Thursday night at ANZ Stadium. Click here to purchase your tickets!
Spotlight: The Outside Backs-
With depth and competition in the outside backs at South Sydney combined with injuries to the likes of Alex Johnston and Hymel Hunt, a number of backline arrangements have been trialled throughout the season by Head Coach, Michael Maguire.
The match against the Tigers is not only shaping up to be a highly exciting encounter, but as a chance for a number of players to put their best foot forward and cement a position in the backline.
Currently, there is a blend of youth and experience with the likes of Aaron Gray, Alex Johnston, Hymel Hunt, Bryson Goodwin, Dane Nielsen, Kirisome Auvaá and Michael Oldfield all playing first-grade at some stage throughout the season so far.
The combination of Gray, Goodwin, Nielsen and Auva’a will have the chance to prove that they deserve to feature in the top 17 when they take on the Tigers.
NYC
Rabbitohs v Tigers
Thursday 28 April 2016
5.10pm- NYC Kick Off
The South Sydney Rabbitohs NYC (Under 20s) team will be looking to bounce back from their loss at the hands of the Brisbane Broncos when they take on the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium in Round 9.
After securing a dominant 50-16 victory over the Canberra Raiders in Round 8, the Tigers will be looking to hold second position on the NYC ladder, whilst the Rabbitohs will be looking to elevate themselves from eighth position with some consistent football.
The Rabbitohs were held scoreless by the Broncos, who ended up winning the Round 8 encounter 38-0 at Suncorp Stadium.
Look out for Rabbitohs halfback, Liam Coleman, who has been a mainstay in the NYC in 2016. The son of club legend, Craig Coleman, Liam has played an instrumental role in Souths’ season thus far, providing class and style in attack. Coming off the back of a scoreless outing, Coleman will undoubtedly be looking to display his attacking flare against the Tigers.
