Rabbitohs v Knights preview

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Will Souths steam roll another opposition? Or will Browns babes bounce back?

After a demolition job on their local rivals last week, Souths will be keen to make it 2 from 2 with their match against the Newcastle Knights this week.

The Rabbitohs success came on the back of their monster forward pack who gave the Roosters no chance last week. Expect to see them again thump the ball through the middle and try to break the desire and will of this young Knights team.

The Knights have had a Round 1 to forget! They were thoroughly outplayed and outclassed last Sunday against the Gold Coast Titans. Admittedly, they had some five debutantes playing, but the effort and commitment just wasn't there from the Novacastrians. Brown will want his side to focus on ball control and discipline and with some of the talent they have throughout their squad (particularly their back line).

After last week's demoralizing performance, the Knights will be desperate to get back into the winners circle.

Last meeting: Round 20 2015 - Rabbitohs 52 Knights 6

Who to watch: GI. Greg Inglis was in commanding form last week against the Roosters and looks to be in tip top shape. His speed and strength he displayed in the 80 minutes he played was vintage GI. If the Knights allow him any room (even from kick returns) he will hurt them. Could be a long afternoon for Newcastle unless they can close him down or adopt a deliberate kicking game which limits Inglis's opportunities.

For the Knights, they need a huge game from their forwards. Kade Snowden was one of the Knights best last year but came up with a very poor performance in round one which has seen him dropped to the bench. I expect to see Snowden bounce back with a big bang, especially as his impact off the bench could really tear open the game. Snowden is a former representative player and if his head is in the right place he could cause the Rabbitohs all sorts of problems on Saturday night.

The favourite: Souths very strong favourites in this clash after their performance last week. 

My tip: Seems to be a tall order for the Knights, this one. Souths looked very professional last week and look like the side of 2014. If they complete their sets I can't see the Knights winning the game. They'll need a gigantic effort from their forwards and a good kicking display from their halves. Souths by 16.

1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Bryson Goodwin 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Paul Carter 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 16. Nathan Brown 17. Kirisome Auva'a

1. Jaelen Feeney 2. Nathan Ross 3. Dane Gagai 4. Pat Mata'utia 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Tyler Randell 10. Korbin Sims 11. Jacob Saifiti 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Danny Levi 15. David Bhana 16. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 17. Daniel Saifiti

Referees: Gavin Badger, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Dave Ryan, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Matt Cecchin, Luke Patten;