Match Preview: NRL Round 20 vs Rabbitohs

Author: Wests Tigers
Timestamp: Thu 18 Jul 2024, 03:42 PM

Wests Tigers head to Gosford to play South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon, eager to bounce back following a substandard performance last weekend against the Sharks.

Round 20 - Round 20 - Saturday 20 Jul

Full Time

Rabbitohs

Wests Tigers

Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Highlights Latest

It's been a tough few weeks for Wests Tigers with consecutive losses to the Roosters, Storm and Sharks that has seen 138 points added to the 'against' column.

As David Klemmer and John Bateman both said during the week, big improvements are expected against the Bunnies.

South Sydney, after a poor start to the season, had strung five wins together before last weekend’s narrow loss to the Dolphins in Redcliffe.

In team news a decision on the fitness of Api Koroisau (calf) will be made closer to kick off with Tallyn Da Silva named in the No.9 jersey on Tuesday.

Decision on Api Koroisau closer to kick-off

Alex Seyfarth is rested after a heavy knock last weekend, while Alex Twal returns to the side for the first time since a head collision in training about a month ago.

The other change to the Tigers’ lineup sees 18-year-old winger Luke Laulilii return replace Alex Lobb (ankle).

Latu Fainu has been named in the No.14 jersey for what will be his fifth NRL appearance after returning from a hamstring injury in the NSW Cup two weeks ago.

This will be the first time all three of Wests Tigers' Fainu brothers play together in the NRL.

Latu Fainu after his NRL debut in Round 5 alongside brothers Samuela and Sione

Cameron Murray is looking at a two-game ban following a bust up in Origin III while Jai Arrow will also be missing following shoulder surgery during the week. Tallis Duncan could find himself in the run-on side for the first time in his 19-game NRL career.

Cameron Murray in sideline melee in Origin III

This will be the first contest between these two sides on the Central Coast. Wests Tigers most recent visit to Gosford was in 2021, and their last win at this venue was in 2011.

Round 20 - Round 20 - Saturday 20 Jul

Full Time

Rabbitohs

Wests Tigers

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Luke Laulilii
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane Milne

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Adam Doueihi
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Richard Kennar

Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Solomona Faataape
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob Gagai

Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Charlie Staines
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack Wighton

Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Cody Walker

Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer

Forwards

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy Moale

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien Cook

Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean Keppie

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Michael Chee Kam

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 John Bateman
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan

2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon Koloamatangi

Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Fonua Pole

Interchange

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter Mamouzelos

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas Burgess

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Siliva Havili

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Sione Fainu
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 20 Liam Le Blanc

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Jordan Miller

Reserves

Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dion Teaupa

Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Justin Matamua

Match Officials

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:39 PM

Stat Attack:

The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Tigers.
The Tigers have not won in Gosford since 2011.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past five games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers have conceded 138 points in their past three games.
Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook will make his 200th NRL appearance for the club.