NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Dragons RD7, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will host the St. George Illawarra Dragons at Accor Stadium this Saturday, with kick-off set for 5:30pm in round seven of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership. After a narrow loss last weekend, the Red and Green will be eager to bounce back in front of their home faithful and consolidate their position inside the top eight.
It promises to be a big day out at Accor Stadium, with gates opening at 3pm and the New South Wales (NSW) Cup curtain raiser between the Rabbitohs and Dragons kicking off at 3:10pm. The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will be in the house to entertain the Rabbitohs faithful, while fans can also enjoy Budget Direct's Spin to Win outside Gates J/K for the chance to collect instant prizes, and pick up a set of Ingenia Holiday Parks Bunny Ears on entry. Before kick-off, the Rabbitohs Legacy Bell will be rung by one of South Sydney's favourite sons, former captain Mario Fenech. Mr Fenech, Rabbitohs first grade player number 689, played 248 grade games for South Sydney, including 181 first grade games, since making his first grade debut in 1981. He captained the first grade team on 118 occasions, leading the side between 1984 and 1990, and was made a Life Member of the South Sydney Football Club in 1997.
The Rabbitohs will be looking to respond after going down 34-36 to the Canberra Raiders in round six. It was a frustrating result, but the Club has shown plenty of resilience this season, having won three of their five matches to sit in fifth position on the ladder with eight competition points.
South Sydney hold a commanding recent record against the Dragons, having won both encounters in 2025. The Rabbitohs posted a dominant 40-0 victory at Accor Stadium in round 25 last year, and edged a thriller 25-24 at WIN Stadium in round two. The Red and Green will be hoping to continue that momentum at the same venue where they produced that comprehensive shutout.
The St. George Illawarra Dragons come into this match in 17th position on the ladder, having lost all six of their matches this season. Their recent results include losses to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (18-28 in round six), the North Queensland Cowboys (0-32 in round five), the Gold Coast Titans (14-22 in round four), the Parramatta Eels (20-30 in round three) and the Melbourne Storm (20-46 in round two).
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named Matt Dufty at fullback to make his Rabbitohs NRL debut, replacing the injured Jye Gray. Dufty, a former Dragon, will be a familiar face to the St. George Illawarra faithful and brings 94 career NRL appearances worth of experience to the number one jersey. Lachlan Hubner has been named in the second row to replace David Fifita, who sustained a hamstring injury in last week's game against the Raiders. Bronson Garlick has been named on the interchange bench, while Thomas Fletcher, Salesi Ataata and Moala Graham-Taufa have also been included in the extended squad.
For the St. George Illawarra Dragons, the most notable change sees Moses Suli drop out of the squad. Jacob Halangahu has been named on the interchange bench, while David Fale, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga and Lyhkan King-Togia have been added to the reserves. Former Rabbitoh Damien Cook will captain the side from hooker, with Valentine Holmes lining up at centre and Kyle Flanagan directing play from halfback.
Recent Results
Round 25, 2025 – South Sydney Rabbitohs 40-0 St. George Illawarra Dragons (Accor Stadium).
Round 2, 2025 – South Sydney Rabbitohs 25-24 St. George Illawarra Dragons (WIN Stadium).
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
Date: Saturday 18 April
Kick-off: 5:30pm AEDT
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
