Rabbitohs v Dragons
Thursday 19 May
ANZ Stadium
Kick-off – 7.50pm
After getting back into the winners’ circle in Round 10 thanks to an energetic win over the Parramatta Eels at Pirtek Stadium, the Rabbitohs head home to ANZ Stadium this Thursday to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons in the Club’s own Indigenous Round.
Rabbitohs Head Coach, Michael Maguire, named a virtually identical line-up to Round 10, barring Michael Oldfield, who will miss the clash through injury. In his place, live-wire Cody Walker will bring his spark to the wing. Walker made his debut for the Rabbitohs in Round 1 against the Roosters before going on to deputise at five-eighth for a number of matches during the absence of Club halfback, Adam Reynolds. Walker now gets his opportunity to impress on the wing wearing the Club’s Indigenous jersey.
“Cody has been working hard as we always talk about,” said Maguire.
“Full credit to him – he’s obviously had a taste of first grade and he’s gone away and worked really hard and we’re sticking him out on the wing. You might find him down the back at some stages.
“To have Cody come back in, we all know what he’s capable of and (I’m) looking forward to him jumping on the back of what we’re building.”
The Greg Inglis, five-eighth experiment rolls into its second week in Round 11 too, with the Club skipper set to ply his trade at number six again following a brilliant Round 10 performance at Parramatta. Alex Johnston will again play fullback, while Luke Keary will also likely be given a similar role to that of the last game – coming on late in proceedings to add further spark.
For his part though, Inglis is happy to experiment and find the best combination.
“I do like getting into six,” admitted Inglis.
“Obviously Keary coming on and me shifting out into the centres – it has definitely added a new role to the side.
“I think it’s something that we’ve sort of got to work around with moving forward.”
The Dragons meanwhile named Josh McCrone at halfback, who will partner co-captain Gareth Widdop in the halves in the absence of Benji Marshall – the Kiwi set to the miss the clash owing to injury.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor has named a 17-man squad for the fixture which also sees prop Russell Packer elevated to the starting forward-pack and Mike Cooper shifted to lock.
Jake Marketo will partner Tyson Frizell in the second-row following the one-week suspension of Joel Thompson.
The jersey that will be worn by the Rabbitohs this week is designed by Sydney-based Indigenous designer, Nikita Ridgeway, and tells the stories of the Club’s Indigenous players.
Stay tuned to Rabbitohs.com.au as we roll out interviews with our Indigenous Rabbitohs players, community leaders and a whole lot more in the coming week!
Click here for Match Day Information.
Purchase your tickets to the Club’s Indigenous Round celebration at ANZ Stadium by clicking here!
Purchase your very own Rabbitohs 2016 jersey, also AVAILABLE IN WOMENS, by clicking here!
Spotlight – The Livewires
Both Luke Keary and Cody Walker are set to play unique roles for the men in Red and Green this week – both finding themselves in different positional territory. Walker will play on the wing after having played five-eighth earlier in the season, while Keary is set to come off the bench – likely late in the game at five-eighth as he did against the Eels in a move that is sure to provide a jolt to the Rabbitohs back-line while also giving the Dragons defence plenty to think about. Either way, the inclusion of both players provides plenty of unique opportunities. The question is, how will Maguire use them?
NRL
Rabbitohs v Dragons
Thursday 19 May
ANZ Stadium
Kick-off – 5.20pm
South Sydney’s NYC (Under 20s) side will be looking to get back on the board this week after going down to the Parramatta Eels in Round 10 of the competition.
Despite a late revival from the Rabbitohs, the men in Red and Green went down by 28-22 at Pirtek Stadium, after trailing 22-6 at half-time.
Souths would fight back in the second half to within six points, but the Eels would hold on to take the win, meaning this week’s clash shapes as a big one for the Dave Penna-coached Rabbitohs.
Look out for Rabbitohs winger, Mawene Hiroti this week, who comes into the side after a solid season with the Club’s SG Ball outfit coached by Matt King. Hiroti – brother of fellow Rabbitoh Haimona – is a fleet-footed outside back who is no stranger to the try-line and is equally confident with the boot.
