NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers RD03, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will take on the Wests Tigers in round three of the 2026 NRL season this Saturday at polytec Stadium in Gosford, with kick-off set for 7:35pm AEDT.
It promises to be a big day out on the Central Coast, with gates opening at 3:10pm and a full afternoon of Rugby League on offer before the main event. The Jersey Flegg Cup curtain raiser kicks off at 3:25pm against the Wests Tigers, followed by the New South Wales (NSW) Cup clash against the Western Suburbs Magpies at 5:10pm. Fans heading to the ground can check out the Rabbitohs Merchandise Trailer on Dane Drive, try their luck at Budget Direct's Spin to Win, and collect a free MG x Rabbitohs flag from the MGU9 display. The little ones can also grab a set of Bunny Ears from the Ingenia Holiday Parks Caravan.
The Rabbitohs head into round three sitting in eighth position on the ladder with one win and one loss from their opening two matches, having scored 58 points and conceded 56. South Sydney opened the season with a 40-30 victory over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium in round one before going down 18-26 to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium last weekend. The Red and Green will be keen to bounce back and get their season record back on the right side of the ledger.
The Wests Tigers, meanwhile, sit in sixth position on the ladder after one match, having posted an impressive 44-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval in round two. Co-captained by five-eighth Jarome Luai and hooker Apisai Koroisau, the Tigers will arrive in Gosford full of confidence after that commanding display.
The last time these two sides met was in round 11 of the 2025 season, when the Rabbitohs came away with a 22-12 win at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. South Sydney will be looking to make it two in a row against the Tigers this Saturday night.
This round three clash also falls during Multicultural Round, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion at Polytec Stadium. Winger Alex Johnston will again be a major storyline on Saturday night as he looks to build on his status as the NRL’s all-time leading try-scorer when South Sydney heads to Gosford to face the Wests Tigers. Having moved past Ken Irvine with his 213th career try last week, the veteran finisher now has his sights set on the next milestone on the road towards 250, with the next chapter to be written at polytec Stadium. outh Sydney have a number of events planned to celebrate Johnston's try-scoring achievements. With both sides looking to build momentum early in the season, this round three clash at Polytec Stadium has all the ingredients for an entertaining Saturday night of Rugby League. The Rabbitohs will be determined to respond after last week's loss and deliver a result for the travelling Red and Green faithful on the Central Coast.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a strong side for the trip to Gosford. Jamie Humphreys comes into the squad at halfback in the number seven jersey, combining with Cody Walker in the halves. Jye Gray retains the fullback role, with Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton lining up in the centres and Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham on the wings. Thomas Fletcher and Liam Le Blanc have also been named among the ins, taking spots in the reserves.
For the Wests Tigers, Taylan May has been named among the outs for the round three clash. Bunty Afoa, Faaletino Tavana, Patrick Herbert and Tony Sukkar have all been added to the extended squad. Jarome Luai and Apisai Koroisau will co-captain the side, with Adam Doueihi partnering Luai in the halves and Jahream Bula at fullback.
Recent Results
Round 11, 2025 – South Sydney Rabbitohs 22-12 Wests Tigers (Campbelltown Sports Stadium).
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers.
Date: Saturday 21 March.
Kick-off: 7:35pm (AEDT).
Venue: polytec Stadium, Gosford.
