Team List Tuesday Las Vegas
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
Jacob Gagai To Debut, Cody Walker Named
Jacob Gagai will debut on the wing for the Rabbitohs. Richie Kennar will partner Isaiah Tass in the centres. Cody Walker should be good to go but Dean Hawkins has been included on the extended bench as cover. Big Sean Keppie will debut for the club. Tallis Duncan misses out as 18th man.
Viva Las Vegas
“All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel…Viva Las Vegas…Viva Las Vegas.” Wise words from ‘The King’ Elvis Presley.
On Sunday at 1:30pm (AEDST) the Rabbitohs hearts and nerves will be tested in the historic round 1 clash against the Sea Eagles at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Nevada, USA.
Trell Mit v Tommy Turbo
The Souths and Manly lineups are filled with quality players, but the headline acts are their fullbacks. South Sydneys’ number 1 is Latrell Mitchell aka ‘Trell Mit’ and at the back for the Sea Eagles is Tom Trbojevic aka ‘Tommy Turbo’.
These two superstars provide the sparks that ignite their teams attack. Latrell is a powerful ball runner but he also has elite skills with both his hands and feet. Tommy in full flight is a sight to see, his speed and ability to beat defenders is the reason he is considered one of worlds best rugby league players.
The Greatest Game Of All
In the build up to this monster season opener, Latrell said “I think it’s a great eye opener for the world, we get to display our skills and our combat. We don’t wear pads. I’m not bagging the NFL, they’re superstars with their athleticism, but this is the greatest game of all. To bring it to fresh eyes, it will be something special.”
The Team Announcement
Rabbitohs Head Coach Jason Demetriou has named Jacob Gagai to make his NRL debut on the wing, with Sean Keppie to make his Rabbitohs NRL debut in the front row.
International Representative Players
International representative players Latrell Mitchell (Australia), Alex Johnston (Papua New Guinea and Australia), Lachlan Ilias (Greece), Junior Tatola (Tonga), Damien Cook (Australia), Keaon Koloamatangi (Tonga), Cameron Murray (Australia), Siliva Havili (Tonga and New Zealand), Davvy Moale (Cook Islands), Thomas Burgess (England and Gret Britain), Michael Chee Kam (Samoa), Peter Mamouzelos (Greece) and Tallis Duncan (Malta) have all been selected in the 22-man squad for this first historic premiership match on US soil.
The Rabbitohs have been preparing for this match at their base at UC San Diego since the beginning of last week and will be heading to Las Vegas on Wednesday for final preparations before the game on Saturday.
For Americans wishing to learn more about the sport of Rugby League, please watch this explanatory video voiced over by Rabbitohs co-investor Russell Crowe, by clicking here.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ squad for the round one clash with the Sea Eagles in Las Vegas is:
1- Latrell Mitchell
2- Alex Johnston
3- Isaiah Tass
4- Richie Kennar
5- Jacob Gagai
6- Cody Walker
7- Lachlan Ilias
8- Junior Tatola
9- Damien Cook
10- Sean Keppie
11- Keaon Koloamatangi
12- Jai Arrow
13- Cameron Murray (c)
Interchange:
14- Siliva Havili
15- Jacob Host
16- Davvy Moale
17- Thomas Burgess
18- Tallis Duncan
19- Michael Chee Kam
20- Shaquai Mitchell
21- Peter Mamouzelos
24- Dean Hawkins
Souths by 8