The Dragons face another tough challenge this week when they host a red-hot Rabbitohs who got back on track with an imposing win against the Titans last round.
South Sydney’s win came at a cost however, with Origin forwards Jai Arrow and Cam Murray both unable to finish the game. Arrow suffered an ankle injury in the 20th minute and left the field before undergoing a fitness test that ruled him out of the match. Murray came from the field after aggravating a groin injury from Wednesday night’s Origin opener.
With this being South Sydney’s last outing before their first bye of the season, they will be aiming to go into their break on a high.
As has been the case for so many games this season, St George Illawarra come into this game off the back of a close loss, having pushed the Panthers all the way in Round 14, and could consider themselves unlucky with a few try-scoring options denied.
Captain Ben Hunt backed up from Origin with another strong performance and will again be the key if the Dragons are to spring an upset, while forward Jack de Belin could be in doubt after be stretched off the field after suffering a head knock.
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Team News
Dragons: A late change last week saw Jayden Sullivan start the game for Talatau Amone in the halves, putting in a solid performance which will likely see him retained for this weekend’s match. Forward Jack de Belin is unlikely to play after suffering a head knock in the loss to Penrith but the return of Jack Bird (rested) and Blake Lawrie (hand) will help cover the loss of de Belin.
Rabbitohs: The Bunnies have lost Jai Arrow (ankle) and also look set to be without Cameron Murray (groin). Maroons forward Arrow will miss 6-8 weeks while Murray will be monitored through the week. Gun fullback Latrell Mitchell (calf) is set to return so Blake Taaffe will shift to the bench. The possible return of prop Davvy Moale (knee) would be a boost.
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Stat Attack
- Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker leads the NRL for try assists with 19 while Dragon Ben Hunt is equal fifth on the list with 11.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has now scored 12 tries in 13 matches this season and is just two tries behind Steve Menzies as the third highest tryscorer in premiership history.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.