Round 14 of the NRL Telstra Premiership will see South Sydney travel to the nation’s capital to take on the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
Buoyed by the return of two of their superstars Cody Walker and Jack Wighton, the Rabbitohs have plenty to play for in this one, including a potential spot in the top eight at the end of the round.
The Rabbitohs will be bitterly disappointed after going down by just six points to the third-placed Warriors, in a contest that was alive right till the final play.
This huge clash with Canberra is the perfect chance for South Sydney to get back to their winning ways, as well as prove their credentials against a top contender in this competition.
2025 recruit Euan Aitken will also line up for NRL game number 200 in this match, having previously plied his trade for the Dragons, Warriors and Dolphins. His teammates will certainly want to do everything in their power to help him celebrate this significant milestone the right way, with a big win away from home.
Euan Aitken: “At the end of the day I just want to make sure we’re winning games.”
The enormity of Euan Aitken’s milestone this weekend isn’t lost on the man himself, nor is the fact that he’ll be doing battle with the club against which he made his debut all the way back in 2015. However, Aitken’s focus is firmly fixated upon getting the job done against Canberra and acquiring two competition points that would likely see South Sydney into the top eight.
“Still looking ahead to be honest. Obviously 200 is a massive achievement for myself. Pretty happy with that. I’ve come full circle. I made my debut against the Raiders for the Dragons back in the day, now 200th game against the Raiders this weekend. Same venue as well. It’s a pretty special achievement, but at the end of the day I just want to make sure we’re winning games.”
Campbell Graham: “Both massive inclusions for us, so very excited to have them back.”
It’s certainly fair to say that the Rabbitohs have had to deal with more than their fair share of injuries so far in their 2025 campaign. That’s why Campbell Graham and his teammates are so eager to welcome back two of their most experienced players Walker and Wighton in this game. Whether it’s Wighton securing the left edge defence, or Walker creating points all over the park, there’s no question that South Sydney is a far more formidable side with these two on the paddock.
“Yeah huge. Jack’s effort and competitiveness on the field – I think everyone can see that and it just lifts the team. Cody’s our general really. He has the experience and obviously the ball-playing ability to create opportunities for us. Both massive inclusions for us, so very excited to have them back.”
Team Changes
South Sydney Head Coach Wayne Bennett has made several changes to the side that was narrowly defeated by the Warriors in round 13.
Experienced campaigner Jack Wighton returns from a calf injury in the centres, with Isaiah Tass pushing out to the wing to accommodate Wighton.
Cody Walker too makes his return from a calf injury. He will line up at five-eighth, and will also captain the side.
Jayden Sullivan will revert to the interchange bench after deputising at five-eighth in Walker’s absence. Liam Le Blanc will also return via the bench.
Recent Results
- Round 21, 2024 – Raiders 32-12 Rabbitohs (GIO Stadium)
- Round 13, 2023 – Raiders 33-26 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
- Round 11, 2022 – Raiders 32-12 Rabbitohs (Apex Oval, Dubbo)
- Round Eight, 2021 – Rabbitohs 34-20 Raiders (GIO Stadium)
- Round 11, 2020 – Raiders 18-12 Rabbitohs (GIO Stadium)
Match Details & Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canberra Raiders
Date: Sunday 8th June
Kick-off: 2pm (AEST)
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Where to Watch: Kayo and Foxtel