The Rabbitohs clock up the frequent flyer points this weekend by taking this home game to the people of Cairns, despite being on the back-up from a Monday night victory over the Raiders 34 – 18 in Canberra. It’s not a bad idea given that the Rabbitohs’ last game at their regular home ground, ANZ Stadium, resulted in a shock loss the Titans, their fifth loss from eight games this year at the venue.

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The Rabbitohs started well against the Raiders, scoring twice inside of the first ten minutes and closing out the game, which they were always in control of, with three tries in an eight minute period in the second half. It was the Rabbitohs tenth 13+ win of the year, more than any other side, and the margin could’ve been greater still had goal-kicker Adam Reynolds converted more than this three of his seven attempts. Although named in the team list Tuesday evening, expect the Rabbitohs to take the field this weekend minus five-eight John Sutton and Sam Burgess – who has been in sensational form – who both picked up injuries in the last week’s game. The Rabbitohs have won six of their past eight games with the two losses being due to their won poor performance rather than being outplayed.

KNIGHTS

The Roller-coaster season for the Knights continued last week with an unexpected victory over the Roosters 16 – 12 at Hunter Stadium. If followed a very plain effort against the Titans in round 19 but it was their fourth win from the past five matches. Halfback Tyron Roberts was instrumental in the win which saw Newcastle control the ball well, recording 54% possession and completing 33 of their 39 sets. Similar pressure is what will be required against the Rabbitohs if the Knights are going to chalk up their seventh win of the season so no surprise to see Wayne Bennett with almost the same squad this week, all bar Jarrod Mullen who is replaced by Kurt Gidley at five-eight.

HEAD TO HEAD

The Rabbitohs have won the last three straight against the Knights – but have been made to work for the two most recent victories, getting home by 12 and 7 points. The last time the Knights defeated the Rabbitohs away from Newcastle was back in 2007 with that win coming at Gosford. Expect that record will be extending for another year with the Rabbitohs winning this one well.

Teams:

South Sydney Rabbitohs:

Greg Inglis, Alex Johnston, Dylan Walker, Kirisome Auva’a, Bryson Goodwin, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Issac Luke, David Tyrrell, Kyle Turner, Ben Te’o, Sam Burgess. Interchange: Luke Keary, Ben Lowe, Jason Clark, Thomas Burgess

Ins: None. Outs: None

Newcastle Knights:

Sione Mata’utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Chanel Mata’utia, Kurt Gidley, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Adam Clydsdale, Willie Mason, Beau Scott, Robbie Rochow, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Travis Waddell, Korbin Sims, Adam Cuthbertson, David Fa’alogo

Ins: Kurt Gidley. Outs: Jarrod Mullen (abdominal, round 22)