The 2014 NRL competition kicks off with the South Sydney Rabbitohs hosting the current premiers, Sydney Roosters on Thursday night. For the past two seasons, the Rabbitohs have lost in the Grand Final qualifier and this year will not settle for anything less than making the year’s championship game. They’ve been able to largely maintain the majority of last year’s squad which is a balanced and experienced side but a few inconvenient injuries on the eve of the opening match has not been ideal.
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Forward Tom Burgess will each miss several weeks with a foot injury and first choice five-eighth Dylan Walker, who came off during the Rabbitoh’s Charity Shield match with an ankle injury, will not be a confirmed starter until Thursday.
The good news for the Rabbitohs supporters is that Adam Reynolds has been cleared to start after missing the Charity Shield Match and should Walker not take his place in the starting line-up John Sutton, who partnered well with Reynolds in the halves last year, will be moved to five-eighth from lock.
As defending premiers, the Roosters will be the measuring stick of the competition this year and will be in the sights of all sides but they look well prepared for the challenge ahead of them this year judging by their impressive performance in the recent World Cup Challenge, where they accounted for British Champions Wigan, 36 – 14.
The Rabbitohs won this fixture last year, defeating the Roosters 28 – 10 in a comprehensive display however; the Roosters took a few rounds to hit their straps last season as Coach Trent Robinson and several key player-personal who were new to the club, found their feet.
They won’t need that time this year and will hit the ground running in 2014 as they look to become the first side since the Brisbane Broncos in ‘92/’93 to win back-to-back premierships.
Do not expect anything new from these two sides this year, with a winning record of 18-6 each in the regular season last year, there doesn’t need to be. The respective forward packs will be out to dominate the middle allowing their smart backlines from each side, the chance to capitalise.
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Both sides looked good in their pre-season hit-outs but a few niggling injuries and some potential changes to the starting line up, tip this game in favour of the premiers.
TIP: ROOSTERS 1 – 12
Odds Comparison:
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| South Sydney Rabbitohs | 2.15 | 2.20 | 2.20 | 2.20 | 2.15 | 2.12 |
| Sydney Roosters | 1.70 | 1.70 | 1.67 | 1.70 | 1.70 | 1.72 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Teams:
South Sydney Rabbitohs:
Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Beau Champion, Bryson Goodwin, Lote Tuqiri, Dylan Walker, Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Issac Luke, Sam Burgess, Chris McQueen, Ben Te’o, John Sutton
Interchange: Ben Lowe, Joe Picker, David Tyrrell, Luke Burgess, Joel Reddy, Joel Turner (two to be omitted)
Sydney Roosters: 
Anthony Minichiello (c), Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank Paul-Nuuausala
Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Aidan Guerra, Mitchell Aubusson, Dylan Napa, Kane Evans, Kurt Kara (two to be omitted)