Souths Teams Analysis
Cameron Murray Injury Blow
An injury bombshell landed in South Sydney on Wednesday. In a statement the club said – “Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray has a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon suffered at training today (19th Feb). He will get scans, however he is not expected to be available to play in the coming months.
The reality is that Murray could miss the entire season.
“Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of this Saturday’s Charity Shield with a hamstring complaint. He will get scans to determine the extent of the injury.”
News broke today that Latrell will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks.
The loss of Murray is devastating, he is irreplaceable and the Bunnies bounce back season just became a whole lot more difficult to achieve.
Jye Gray will almost certainly take over at fullback until Latrell returns.
Bennett Takes Reins
He stepped aside last week for Ben Hornby but Wayne Bennett, the greatest coach to ever pick up a clipboard will finally take the reins of the team he took to the 2021 NRL Grand Final.
The Battle Of The 7s & 9s
When Lachlan Ilias was shown the door at Souths he would undoubtedly have been looking forward to the day he got a chance to prove the doubters wrong. Same goes for Damien Cook. That day comes on Saturday when Lachy lines up against his replacement Lewis Dodd. Cookie goes one on one with his good mate Pete Mamouzelos. A friend he spent years mentoring in the art of hooker play.
These matchups make the game worth watching on their own. Also, it’s worth mentioning that Souths and Saints meet again in NRL round 2 when they are playing for competition points.
Hooray For Hubner
The loss of Captain Cam leaves the door wide open for new recruit Lachlan Hubner to make the 13 jumper his own. Or if Bennett decides to play Tallis Duncan at lock there’s a spot available in the back row or bench rotation up for grabs. Hubner was good last week against the Sea Eagles but we are going to need to see plenty more where that came.
Players To Watch
Besides Lachy Ilias, it is hard to ignore two other names in the Red V backline, King Gutho and Val Holmes. Both are superstar acquisitions who must be kept in check if the Rabbits are to stand any chance of competing in this game.
Jayden Sullivan at five eighth could be the right fit for this team, especially if Cody Walker continues to struggle with injury. I’d like to see him running the footy and asking questions of the defence. If that happens and he takes the team forward, then our backs get the chance to see plenty of quality football as a result.
Jamie Humphreys was a player I nominated to watch last week but he was a late withdrawal. So here we go again, look out for this former Sea Eagle to play decent minutes and help solve the puzzle of where his best position in this side might be.
The same applies here for Bailey Biondi-Odo, out last week but ready to go in Mudgee, let’s see what he can do.
It was good to see Thomas Fletcher back last week. The more game time he plays, the better he’ll get. Ashton Ward opened a few eyes with his performance last week. Look out for him to do more of the same against his old club on Saturday.
Tyrone Munro Extends Until End Of 2027
20 year old South Sydney flyer Tyrone Munro has signed with the club until the end of the 2027 season.
‘Ty Ty’ has plenty of ability and pure speed, a combination that is a valuable commodity for any rugby league team.
After playing well in the All Stars, I would love to see this young fella bursting into the clear on multiple occasions on Saturday afternoon in Mudgee.
SG Ball Cup
The 1st placed undefeated Rabbitohs take on the 5th placed Eels. The Eels are also yet to lose a game but did have a 22 all draw with the Roosters at Mascot Oval in round 2.
Penrith junior Riley Allen comes into the starting side for Johannes Logan after he copped a 1 week suspension for going on report against Wests.
I’ll be calling this game live on Saturday 22nd February from 3:30pm with Milo on BarTV Sports.
Tarsha Gale Cup
The 8th placed Rabbitohs take on the 7th placed Steelers in round 4 of the Tarsha Gale Cup competition. Both teams have had 1 win and 1 loss.
Fresh off the bye and a team reshuffle by coach Brad Costello. Ava Lavender replaces Teearna Williams at fullback. April Chappell comes in at centre for Sienna Israel. Phoenix Williams, the daughter of former Rabbitohs halfback Joe Williams is the new winger. Niah-Telesia Tukino replaces Hannah Kalland at prop. Emily Butler starts in the second row with Abbie Ritchie switching back to centre. Sonaiva Kini-Samuelu gains a promotion to the bench. Olivia Jarrett replaces Shaylee Haines on the bench.
Rabbitohs v Steelers 12:00pm Saturday 22nd February Redfern Oval. Live on BarTV for subscribers.
Lisa Fiaola Cup
The 9th placed Rabbitohs are up against the 7th placed Steelers in round 4 of the Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Alaiela Dargin-Bell, the daughter of former Rabbitoh Roy Bell has recovered from a rib cartilage injury and will start at centre, replacing Miharna Ward who moves to five eighth. Alexis Gordon drops out. Sarah Fakhr gets a promotion from bench to centre. Mia Elliott and Marleya Elekana are the new starting props. Markaylah Talanoa will start at hooker with Freya Hodges dropping to the bench. Madison Clarke and Ariana Te Rito have earned spots on the bench.
Rabbitohs v Steelers Lisa Fiaola Cup 10:30am Saturday 22nd February Redfern Oval. Live on BarTV for subscribers.
Jersey Flegg & NSW Cup Trials
A three way trial for the Rabbitohs v Dragons v Sea Eagles Jersey Flegg Cup teams will be played on Saturday 22nd February from 3:00pm at Collegians Sporting Complex in Figtree.
A three way trial for the Rabbitohs v Bears v Dragons NSW Cup teams will be played on Sunday 23rd February from 3:30pm at Erskineville Oval.
Both games will be live on BarTV for subscribers.
Souths Teams Analysis by Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
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