📰 Tatola Rolling Forward as Rabbitohs Build Momentum for Perth

Junior Tatola says the Rabbitohs are focused on getting their own game right as they prepare for Saturday's clash with the Raiders in Perth, with the forward confident his team is heading in the right direction after an important win over the Bulldogs.

Perth Preparation

The Rabbitohs forward is excited about returning to Perth for another fixture as the team prepares to face Canberra. Tatola said the group has travelled to Western Australia for a couple of years now and appreciates the opportunity to promote the game, particularly with the buzz around Perth's incoming NRL team.

"I'm excited to get over there, been going there for a couple of years now so it's nice over there, obviously great to promote the game and hopefully there's a bit more buzz and excitement now that they're getting their own team," he said. "Hopefully we can go out there and put on a good performance for the Perth crowd."

Despite the Raiders enduring a difficult start to the season, Tatola expects a tough contest. He described Canberra as a hard-working side that can be unpredictable with the ball in hand. However, the prop emphasised that South Sydney's main priority early in the season remains internal, focusing on their own standards rather than getting caught up in opposition analysis.

Building on Defensive Effort

Friday night's victory over Canterbury was an important one for the Rabbitohs, according to Tatola, who said the team had identified specific areas to improve after their win against the Tigers. The focus was on defensive effort, discipline with the ball and reducing penalties across the park.

"I think we went out there and did that for the majority of the game," Tatola said. "Some of our efforts defensively were what we wanted to work on and obviously there's still improvement there, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction."

The prop views the defensive improvements as a building block for the season ahead. He acknowledged the team isn't expecting to be at their best early in the year, but is satisfied with the progress being made. Tatola said early in the season the priority is not beating themselves rather than worrying about being beaten by opponents, making sure they play to the standard they want to achieve.

Koloamatangi Playing Through Pain

Tatola praised Keaon Koloamatangi for his performances despite carrying a knee injury, describing his teammate as an absolute freak who has been one of the club's best players for several seasons. The prop said Koloamatangi has been working his backside off for the team and did so again on the weekend with a busted knee.

The forward's status for the Perth trip remains uncertain, with Koloamatangi undertaking swimming sessions at training. Tatola said the decision on his availability is still to be made, but expressed hope that he can make the trip west and back up for another strong performance.

Right Edge Combinations

While the left edge has dominated headlines, Tatola is pleased with how the right side is developing. He said the right edge has been solid and the players are becoming increasingly familiar with each other's games, with Tallis Duncan particularly impressive against the Bulldogs in creating attacking opportunities.

"Early in the year we just want to build on combinations and I feel like us as the right edge we've been pretty solid and starting to really get familiar with each other's game," Tatola said.

The prop also spoke positively about David Fifita's seamless transition into the team. Tatola said he wasn't surprised by how easily Fifita has made an impact, pointing to the second-rower's outstanding pre-season where he has been ripping in from day one. The combination on the left edge has been building since November, making it no surprise when it comes off during matches.

Smith's Return and Gray's Origin Case

Brandon Smith's return from injury has added energy to the training environment. Tatola said he was excited to finally play alongside Smith after the hooker's early-season setback, describing him as someone who is full of energy at training, gives 110 per cent all the time and is very intense. The prop expects Smith could suit up this week based on his strong training form.

Tatola also backed Jye Gray's credentials for State of Origin selection after coach Wayne Bennett singled out the fullback for his performances. The prop agreed Gray has taken every opportunity since starting his NRL career with both hands and has never let anyone down, suggesting he wouldn't let anyone down in the Origin arena either.