The NRL season 2024 rolls on into round 16. We’re deep into the Origin period now, fast approaching the business end of the season where wins and losses count more than ever.
This Saturday night the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles will do battle for the second time this season. After coming up short in their round one meeting in Las Vegas, the Rabbitohs will certainly be eager to exact their revenge on the Sea Eagles.
Given their recent three-match winning streak against the Eels, Titans and Broncos, they will no doubt feel particularly confident in their ability to do so. South Sydney will also be buoyed by their imposing record against Sea Eagles of late. Prior to the round one defeat, the red and green boasted a seven-match winning streak over the team from the peninsula, going back all the way to 2019!
There have been many strong victories throughout this streak. None more so than Souths’ round 15, 2020, victory in which they put their opponents to the sword 56-16 – their biggest ever victory over the Sea Eagles.
The first half was all South Sydney, who scored at almost a point per minute to lead 38-0 at the break. Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham both scored first-half doubles, while Steven Marsters and Latrell Mitchell also got on the board.
The second half was more even, with Souths coming out ahead 18-16 thanks to tries to Cameron Murray, Junior Tatola, and Mitchell who completed his double. It was a truly dominant display by the cardinal and myrtle, and they’ll definitely be hoping to channel some of this result into their performance this weekend.
Cody Walker will retain the captaincy going into this match. Walker has relished his move to the number seven jersey so far, as well as his new-found halves partnership with Jack Wighton.
The experience of Walker and Wighton will be vital as always for the Rabbitohs, particularly given the absence of key players Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell who have been called up to the New South Wales State of Origin team.
It’s never easy to replace Origin-quality players such as Mitchell and Murray, however, the Rabbitohs are very lucky to have two young stars waiting in the wings for their opportunity in Jye Gray and Liam Le Blanc.
Gray has been named to replace Mitchell in the fullback jersey in what will be his first match since sustaining a syndesmosis injury against the Panthers in round ten. Gray has been impressive in his three appearances so far in the NRL. He has proven to be very quick off the mark, and extremely hard to get a hold of. His pace and creativity will no doubt be a huge asset to Souths in this game.
Liam Le Blanc has been named to make his debut off the bench in this game. The 19-year-old middle forward has been impressive in the NSW Cup this year and will be keen to make the most of his first chance in the top grade.
Stat Attack
- South Sydney have won seven of their last eight clashes with the Sea Eagles.
- The Rabbitohs have also won six of their six last games against the Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium.
- South Sydney’s biggest ever win over the Sea Eagles came in round 15, 2020, when Souths piled on 56 points to the Sea Eagles’ 16
- The Sea Eagles have won just two of their last ten games at Accor Stadium.
- The Sea Eagles have not defeated the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium since 2013.
