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Roosters v Rabbitohs: Walker returns; Murray's miracle comeback

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94ddz.com
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Win and they're in. That's the simple equation for the Roosters as they square off against the Rabbitohs in a Friday night blockbuster at Allianz Stadium.

Coming off the back of a stunning 40-10 demolition of the Storm, Trent Robinson's men will be full of confidence but also wary of an old foe who would love nothing better than to upset the apple cart.

Apart from the motivation of potentially ending the Roosters' season, Souths have a slice of history to chase with favourite son Alex Johnston needing two tries to equal Ken Irvine's premiership tryscoring record and three to stand alone at the top of the summit.

With so many storylines to play out in front, this promises to be an epic night at Allianz as another memorable chapter is added to the Book of Feuds.

Team News

Roosters: Halfback Sam Walker's return from concussion pushes Sandon Smith to the reserves in the only change to the side that demolished the Storm in Round 26. A win will wrap up a spot in the top eight for the Roosters while a loss opens the door for the Dolphins.

Rabbitohs: A massive boost for the Bunnies with Cameron Murray named on the interchange for his first match of the season. Murray ruptured his Achilles during the pre-season and has watched on from the sidelines as his team has battled to a 9-14 record. Centre Jack Wighton is also back from suspension but Latrell Mitchell has been unable to overcome a back injury and will miss the match. Wighton's return sees Tallis Duncan revert to the back row and Jacob Host move to the bench alongside Cody Walker, Brandon Smith and Murray. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
    Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye Gray
  • Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
    Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex Johnston
  • Centre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
    Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Isaiah Tass
  • Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
    Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Jack Wighton
  • Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase
    Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Tyrone Munro
  • Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Hugo Savala
    Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Ashton Ward
  • Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
    Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Jamie Humphreys

Forwards

  • Prop for Roosters is number 8 Spencer Leniu
    Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Sean Keppie
  • Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
    Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Siliva Havili
  • Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
    Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon Koloamatangi
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
    2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Tallis Duncan
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Victor Radley
    2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Jai Arrow
  • Lock for Roosters is number 13 Naufahu Whyte
    Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Lachlan Hubner

Interchange

  • Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Benaiah Ioelu
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Brandon Smith
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Jacob Host
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Blake Steep
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Cody Walker
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Siua Wong
    Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Cameron Murray

Reserves

  • Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Ethan King
    Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Euan Aitken
  • Reserve for Roosters is number 19 Salesi Foketi
    Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 19 Peter Mamouzelos
  • Reserve for Roosters is number 20 Sandon Smith
    Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 20 Shaquai Mitchell
  • Reserve for Roosters is number 21 Tom Rodwell
    Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 21 Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
  • Reserve for Roosters is number 22 Makahesi Makatoa
    Reserve for Rabbitohs is number 22 Lewis Dodd

Roosters Ins

  • Makahesi Makatoa
  • Salesi Foketi
  • Sam Walker
  • Tom Rodwell

Rabbitohs Ins

  • Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
  • Cameron Murray
  • Euan Aitken
  • Jack Wighton
  • Lewis Dodd

Roosters Outs

Rabbitohs Ins

  • Thomas Fletcher

Match Officials

  • Referee: Adam Gee
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
  • Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Roosters have scored 146 points in their last four games.
  • The Rabbitohs have won only one of their past five games against the Roosters.
  • Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored 11 tries in his last eight games.
  • Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston requires two tries to equal Ken Irvine’s premiership tryscoring record.
  • Hooker Connor Watson will make his 100th appearance for the Roosters.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the 

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