NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Will the return of key playmaker Adam Reynolds yield a much needed return to the winner's circle for South Sydney? Or will the Cowboys make it 3 straight and continue their surge towards securing their spot in the Top 4?
For the home side, they simply should win this one. After dismantling the Dragons in Round 5, the Cowboys continued to pip a plucky Panthers outfit 23-18 at Pepper Stadium in a strong showing away from home. The Cowboys had often struggled for victories away from Townsville, yet, their victory over the Penrith side marked their first of the season, and it was a clinical display at that. In what was a tremendously high quality affair, the Panthers gave the Cowboys little resistance making minimal errors, conceding few penalties and threatening in attack in what was arguably their most disciplined and complete 80 minute performance of the year. Yet, to the Cowboys credit, they were too classy. With the stats very similar all over the park for both outfits, a 9-4 penalty count is noted as the only obvious difference between the two sides. Yet, the constant threat of the likes of Bryce Cartwright and Matt Moylan were well maintained from the away side for the majority of the match, with Penrith's offloading abilities (18 on the night) consistently shut down by a determined Cowboys outfit. Despite trailing 10-0 early on, in the presence of a vocal Penrith crowd, on the back of rampaging Jason Tamaulolo, nippy hooker Jake Granville and reliable fullback Lachlan Coote, the Cowboys kept pushing until they claimed victory and they face what should be an easier assignment this week against a Bunnies side really lacking attitude and performance.
For the Rabbitohs, last week is one they will need to forget about. Their performance was simply shocking. A completion rate of 83% may appear promising, yet despite their reasonable handling, the Rabbitohs were self-detrimental in defence, their usually dominant forward pack, led by marquee signing Sam Burgess were severely outplayed and outmuscled by an enthusiastic Roosters pack led by none other than Dylan Napa. In a massive boost for the away side, Adam Reynolds returns to add some much needed control and flair to the now tiring halves pairing of Walker and Keary who originally performed admirably, before losing their touch in the past few weeks. Reynolds return should pave the way for more direction from the Rabbitohs in attack, which when discounting their demolition of the Knights in Round 2, have averaged just 11 points per game in their matches without the star halfback. The Rabbitohs will be hoping for a big game from the No. 7 who will be pivotal to their chances against a heavily-favoured Cowboys outfit.
Last meeting: Round 23 2015 - Cowboys 18 Rabbitohs 31
Who to watch: If Sam Burgess and Jason Taumalolo clash on Friday night it's sure to be a great one. Burgess was very well contained last week, running for a solid 147 metres, yet rendered unable to gain anymore stats of note. Taumalolo was massive for the Cowboys against Penrith running for a monumental 210 metres in a dominant performance. The rampaging lock was tough to contain and could really open this one up.
The favourite: Souths' poor form vs. Cowboys' blistering form... it's a no brainer. The return of Reynolds though gives Souths some of a ray of hope, though.
My tip: Reynolds will really need to rally his troops this week if they are any hope. I think if South Sydney can adjust their attitude they can go close, but I don't think they will be. Seeing the Cowboys ability to grind out tight matches and sparkle in those that aren't so close, it's the home team to come away with this one. Cowboys by 19.
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 19. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 18. Patrick Kaufusi 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant
1. Greg Inglis 2. Bryson Goodwin 3. Kirisome Auva'a 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Chris Grevsmuhl 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess
Interchange: 14. Paul Carter 15. Jason Clark 16. Nathan Brown 17. George Burgess
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Jason Robinson, Bryan Norrie, Bernard Sutton;