Saturday see’s only the one NRL match for Round 12 which is between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights with the opening kick to commence at 7.30pm local time. The game is to be played at ANZ Stadium with the favourite for the match being South Sydney Rabbitohs. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights.

WHERE AND WHEN: ANZ Stadium, Saturday 1st June, 7.30pm

Preview:

The Rabbitohs play the Knights on Saturday, 7.30pm at ANZ Stadium. South Sydney are sitting pretty on top of the table at the moment, although Newcastle are not far behind them in fifth position. While the Rabbitohs had a set-back last week against Cronulla, they will still be very difficult to beat this weekend. Look for a team extra keen to prove themselves in this match, as Souths come out firing against the Knights.

Newcastle lost to the Warriors last week, after a good win the week before against the Bulldogs. While the last two weeks may have brought up some questions regarding their consistency, their defence is still hard to break and Souths will have to work hard if they want victory. The Knights will be without Darius Boyd for this encounter, who suffered a leg injury against the Warriors last week.

Teams:

South Sydney Rabbitohs:
Nathan Merritt, Andrew Everingham, Beau Champion, Dylan Walker, Bryson Goodwin, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, Dave Tyrrell, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi, Ben Lowe, Sam Burgess, Nathan Peats. Interchange: Justin Hunt, Jason Clark, Jeff Lima, George Burgess

Newcastle Knights:
Kevin Naiqama, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Peter Mata’uti, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Kade Snowden, Travis Waddell, Willie Mason, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Adam Clydsdale, David Fa’alogo, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims

Burgess suspension no concern: Souths

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says he isn’t concerned about Sam Burgess’ NRL judiciary record despite the Englishman copping his second suspension of the season on Wednesday.

Burgess will miss Saturday’s match with Newcastle after being found guilty of a crusher tackle on Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita in the Rabbitohs’ 14-12 loss on Monday night.

Burgess was outed earlier this season for one game for a high tackle on Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce in the season opener but Maguire said he didn’t think the English international had a discipline problem.

“He plays the game very, very hard and it was just unfortunate the position he got into,” Maguire said on Thursday.

“We work very, very hard to make sure he is at his best every week but it was just an unfortunate one.

“He is a leader amongst us as a group and he has been consistent every week. He is obviously going to be missed but it gives someone else the opportunity to come into the side.”

Maguire said winger Nathan Merritt was not dwelling on his continued non-selection for NSW and was determined to continue his good form for the Rabbitohs.

“Nathan understands that is not under his control and he is just going to continue playing the way he has been playing,” Maguire said.

“He has been another consistent player for us and he is doing a great job and I’m sure he would do a great job if he was given the chance in that (State of Origin) arena. We are just happy to have him.

“Nathan doesn’t need too much motivation to play for Souths. He is a very passionate Souths man. He loves pulling on the jersey and crossing the white line every week.

“The motivation is about playing well every week and if a chance at Origin comes on top of that I’m sure he will take it.”