We look at four burning questions facing the Rabbitohs ahead of Thursday’s Round 5 NRL clash against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.
Will Sam Burgess play?
After a precautionary week spent on the sidelines, Rabbitohs lock-forward Sam Burgess could be about to suit up in the Red and Green against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. Burgess was swiftly cleared of serious neck and spinal injury last week following one of his charges against the Dragons in Round 3 of the competition. The week off will have done Burgess a world of good and rejuvenated the dual international following the opening three weeks of competition. The question is will Maguire be selecting him?
Is Thomas Burgess available?
According to Rabbitohs High Performance Manager, Troy Thomson’s Alcatel Injury Report following Thomas Burgess’ foot injury, the 120kg forward should be available for selection this week to play the Sea Eagles. Burgess has played no part in the 2016 season as yet, only plying his trade during the Club’s pre-season campaign. With the benefit of a solid Test Series for England against the Kiwis at the end of last year, plus an off-season of research and training in the NFL, Burgess could be about to bring a new and diverse approach to his game at the Rabbitohs. That could start this week against Manly should Maguire see fit to select him.
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A battle for the wing?
If nothing else, the late withdrawal of Test winger Alex Johnston from last Friday’s game against the Bulldogs gave an opportunity to Michael Oldfield to show his wares. Oldfield would grab his side’s first try on the day, in a match that saw him make three tackle busts, run for 78 metres and make 15 tackles in his side’s 42-12 loss to the ‘Dogs. His solid showing opens a number of options up for Maguire, who has already cited the strong element of competition in the Club’s outside backs.
Are DCE and Buhrer 100%?
Manly may have picked up a win over the Roosters over the weekend, but the victory came at a cost. Playmaker, Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle sprain) and Jamie Buhrer (thumb), both suffered injuries in the match and are now in doubt for Thursday’s clash against the Rabbitohs. Will the pair be fit in time for the all-important match, or will they be rushed back in?
