The same old problems reared their head for the Rabbitohs under a new coach last week, with a meeting against traditional rivals the Dragons, who are seeking a return to winning ways after a tough fortnight, now on the cards.
After being embarrassed by the Roosters on ANZAC Day, St George Illawarra showed marked improvement to foot it with the Sharks in an eventual 20-10 loss last Sunday, but there’s no hiding from the fact that they’ve failed to build on their season-best performance against the Warriors back in Round 8.
A 71 percent completion rate didn’t help them last up and heading into Round 10 the Dragons average a competition-high 14 errors per game.
Still, none of that can be worse than what their opponents this week are going through, with their seventh loss of the season also bringing three fresh injury concerns.
Captain Cameron Murray will miss up to two months with a hip flexor injury, while halfback Dean Hawkins and fullback Jye Gray also copped long-term injuries.
These two clubs shared a win apiece last year, but Netstrata Jubilee Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for South Sydney traditionally, with just three wins from nine at the venue.
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Team News
Dragons: Jack de Belin will start the game with Raymond Faitala-Mariner going to the bench in a late switch. Moses Suli’s return from the NRL concussion protocol triggers a backline reshuffle, with Christian Tuipulotu unavailable due to personal reasons and Zac Lomax shifting from centre back to the wing. Luciano Leilua has fallen short in his bid to return from a calf injury. Toby Couchman is 18th man.
Rabbitohs: The Rabbitohs are 1-17 with no late changes. Latrell Mitchell returns from suspension in a huge boost for a side that lost Cameron Murray, Jye Gray and Dean Hawkins to long-term injuries last week. Dion Teaupa will make his NRL debut at halfback, while Gehamat Shibasaki has been called up from Rabbitohs-affiliate club the Townsville Blackhawks and will play on the wing. Siliva Havili starts at lock in Murray’s absence, while Matthew French will play his first NRL game off the bench, with Jacob Host out through suspension.
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Stat Attack
- The Dragons have won only two of their past 11 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has scored 10 tries in nine games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have conceded 108 points in their last three games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker will make his 200th NRL appearance.
- Dragons halfback Ben Hunt has scored five tries in his past six games at Kogarah.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .