NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs Rd 15, 2025

Round 15 will see the Rabbitohs back in front of their home fans at Accor Stadium to take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.

These two traditional clubs have a storied rivalry stemming all the way back to 1935. This Sunday, for the fourth time in their history, the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs will contest the Mortimer-McCarthy Cup, named in honour of two of the great Rugby League families who have each played a significant role in that rivalry over the years.

The Rabbitohs have claimed the trophy on two occasions to the Bulldogs one, and the Boys from South Sydney will be looking to add a third to their trophy cabinet when they line up this Sunday afternoon for what should be an encounter full of physicality.

Lachlan Hubner: “It’s such a forward dominant game. Whoever steps up most usually wins the game.”

Lachlan Hubner has been a standout for South Sydney this season, spending the bulk of his time in the middle of the field wearing jersey 13. Hubner knows that the forward battle is so important against a highly physical side like the Bulldogs. He’s eagerly anticipating the challenge, and expects himself and the rest of the South Sydney pack to step up and get the job done.

“Yeah I think it’s a good challenge for us forwards. It’s such a forward dominant game. Whoever steps up most usually wins the game. It’s a good challenge for myself and my teammates to put our best foot forward this weekend.”

Jye Gray: “Obviously anytime you get the opportunity to play in the first-grade side is really exciting.”

Jye Gray is a player who relishes every opportunity he gets to play in the NRL. However, Gray is particularly pumped for this game as he gets to return to his preferred position of fullback while Latrell Mitchell is on New South Wales duty. Gray has been coming off the bench in recent weeks, slotting in at dummy half or covering for injuries in the backs. But playing in the familiar position of fullback should give Gray every opportunity to produce his best football – a prospect that will have South Sydney Members and fans absolutely salivating.

“Yeah really excited (to be playing fullback). Obviously anytime you get the opportunity to play in the first-grade side is really exciting. It’s good to be back at fullback and getting another crack.”

Tallis Duncan: “I’m starting to feel like I can be an asset to the team on the edge.”

Tallis Duncan has primarily played as a middle forward in the early part of his career, both off the bench and in the starting side, and for limited minutes. However, a recent forward pack reshuffle from Head Coach Wayne Bennett has seen the young firebrand move to the edge where he’s been playing the full game. While still finetuning his game in that position, Duncan has been loving the extra minutes on the field, and is feeling more and more at home every game he plays in the back row.

“Yeah, it was something I had to get used to. But the last couple of weeks I’ve been feeling a lot more at home on the edge. I’m starting to feel like I can be an asset to the team on the edge. I’ve been really enjoying it.”

Team Changes

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has made several changes to the side that was defeated by the Raiders in round 14.

Jayden Sullivan will start in the number six jersey in place of the injured Cody Walker, with Jack Wighton taking over the captaincy from Walker.

Jamie Humphreys has been named to partner Sullivan in the halves after coming off the bench in last week’s game.

Finally, the elevation of Humphreys to the starting 13 will see Davvy Moale come onto the bench in jersey 14.

Recent Results

• Round seven, 2025 – Bulldogs 32-0 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
• Round four, 2024 – Rabbitohs 20-16 Bulldogs (Accor Stadium)
• Round 19, 2023 – Bulldogs 36-32 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
• Round six, 2023 – Rabbitohs 50-16 Bulldogs (Accor Stadium)
• Round 18, 2022 – Rabbitohs 36-28 Bulldogs (Accor Stadium)

Match Details and Where To Watch

Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Date: Sunday 15 June

Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEST)

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Where to Watch: Purchase Tickets Here