NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Dolphins RD1, 2025
The Rabbitohs will get their 2025 NRL campaign underway with a huge clash against the Dolphins at CommBank Stadium this Friday night for their first round one home game in five years.
Back under the guidance of the super coach Wayne Bennett, South Sydney will be looking to recapture the form that saw them make the 2021 Grand Final when the great man was last in control of the Club.
With Lachlan Hubner, Jamie Humphreys and Jayden Sullivan all making their Rabbitohs debuts, as well as a host of stars returning to the side, there will be plenty for South Sydney Members and supporters to celebrate on this occasion, which will hopefully include a big win to get season 2025 off to a flying start.
Jai Arrow: “I’m excited to play with Lachie for the first time!”
Jai Arrow thinks Lachlan Hubner will bring plenty of aggression, impact, and energy – particularly in defence – in the number 13 jersey. A hard-hitting back-rower himself, Arrow knows exactly what it takes to mix it with the best in the NRL and clearly has a high opinion of Hubner.
“He’ll be like a bull out of a gate… I’m excited to play with Lachie for the first time! I think what he brings defensively, and just his energy… He’ll be there to be aggressive and play some footy”.
Sean Keppie: “He’s had so much experience in the game, and lots of wins as well.”
Sean Keppie is loving life under new coach Wayne Bennett. Having only arrived at South Sydney in 2024, Keppie was not at the club during Bennett’s previous tenure, and is soaking in all the information he can from one of the greatest to ever hold the whistle and clipboard.
“Different, but really enjoying (my time under Bennett). Obviously, he’s had so much experience in the game, and lots of wins in the game as well, so just trying to take everything in, listen to him, and try do my best for him as well.”
Isaiah Tass: “I’ve just got to be good underneath the high ball and make good reads.”
One of many South Sydney stars returning from long stints on the sideline, Isaiah Tass makes his long-awaited comeback after suffering a debilitating ankle injury in May last year. Typically a barnstorming centre, he’ll be returning on the wing, and is confident in his ability to transition to his new position.
“There’s not much difference I think, it’s just one step out… Just got to be good underneath the high ball and make good reads.”
Team Changes
Wayne Bennett’s side is boosted by the inclusions of Cody Walker, Campbell Graham, Isaiah Tass and Junior Tatola, all of whom missed South Sydney’s Pre-Season Challenge fixtures. Walker will captain the side in his favoured position of five-eighth after spending large periods of 2024 playing halfback. Walker has been elevated to the captaincy in Cameron Murray's absence and has previously captained the club on 14 occasions between 2021 and 2024.
Graham will play his first game since 2023 at centre after missing the entirety of last year due to injury. Tass has been named on the wing to play his first game since May 2024. Tatola too makes his return from a long layoff, and will look to return to his destructive best in jersey 17.
Jamie Humphreys has earned himself a debut for South Sydney off the back of an impressive Charity Shield performance. He will wear the number seven jersey as he partners Walker in the halves. Humphreys will be joined by fellow club debutants Lachlan Hubner and Jayden Sullivan, who will each wear the Red and Green for the first time in jerseys number 13 and 14 respectively.
Recent Results
- Round 19, 2024 – Dolphins 26-28 Rabbitohs (Kayo Stadium)
- Round 7, 2023 – Rabbitohs 36-14 Dolphins (Suncorp Stadium)
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins
Date: Friday 7 March 2025
Kick-off: 8pm (AEDT)
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
