NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters RD02, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs head to Allianz Stadium this Friday for a Round 2 blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters, with kickoff set for 8:00pm. It's one of rugby league's fiercest rivalries, and both sides will be desperate to make a statement early in the season.

The Rabbitohs enter this clash sitting in 5th on the ladder after a strong Round 1 performance, defeating the Dolphins 40-30 to bank 2 competition points. That 10-point winning margin showed plenty of attacking firepower, with 40 points scored — though the 30 conceded will be an area coach Wayne Bennett looks to tighten up.

The Roosters, meanwhile, are languishing in 14th after a tough opening round loss. They managed just 18 points while conceding 42. They'll be looking to bounce back on home turf, led by captain James Tedesco at fullback and the new halves combination of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker.

Rabbitohs Confirmed Team

Captain Cameron Murray leads the side from lock, with Jye Gray at fullback and the halves pairing of Cody Walker and Jayden Sullivan steering the ship. The backline features Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton in the centres, with Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham on the wings.

Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi pack down in the front row, with David Fifita and Euan Aitken on the edges. The interchange bench includes Peter Mamouzelos, Tallis Duncan, Lachlan Hubner, and Sean Keppie, with Latrell Siegwalt and Moala Graham-Taufa rounding out the extended bench.

Latrell Siegwalt, Liam Le Blanc, Salesi Ataata, and Thomas Fletcher come into the squad, while Ashton Ward drops out due to an ankle injury.

Milestone Watch

Alex Johnston is closing in on history — the prolific winger needs just 2 more tries to break Ken Irvine's all-time NRL try-scoring record of 212, currently sitting on 211 career tries. Johnston is also 6 games from 250 NRL appearances which would see him eclipse Thomas Burgess on the Rabbitohs most capped players list, elevating him to second outright.

Cody Walker has already reached the remarkable milestone of 100 career tries, while David Fifita has notched 50 career tries. Keaon Koloamatangi is just 1 try away from 25 career tries and 4 points from reaching 100 career points.

Campbell Graham is 8 games away from 150 career NRL appearances, and Jack Wighton is 8 try assists away from 100 career try assists.

Match Details

Kickoff is at 8:00pm on Friday, 13 March at Allianz Stadium. The referee is Adam Gee, with fine weather and good ground conditions expected.

Members can access a 10% discount on tickets using the code in their email communications. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.au.