NRL Round 3 Preview: Rabbitohs vs Sharks
South Sydney will do battle with the Sharks at 3pm (AEDT) this Saturday afternoon. After starting the season with two consecutive wins against the Dolphins and the Dragons, the Rabbitohs will be looking to make it three in a row when they run out onto Shark Park for what is sure to be a fascinating contest.
The Rabbitohs have showed plenty of character, toughness and determination in their opening two wins. The Rabbitohs trailed late in both games, but managed to find ways to get ahead before full time. Against the Dragons, it was a clutch field goal with five to go by Jamie Humphreys that proved decisive, while a 70th minute try to Isaiah Tass got South Sydney home against the Dolphins.
South Sydney will take much confidence out of the nature of these victories. They’ll be looking to draw on their experience in these games to get on top of the Sharks and grind out another victory this Saturday.
Jack Wighton: “It’s good to start the year on a couple of wins, but there’s a lot of work to go.”
Despite the positive start to the year, experienced campaigner Jack Wighton refuses to get ahead of himself when it comes to his side’s prospects this season. The Rabbitohs have gotten their 2025 season off to a flyer with two wins from two starts, but Wighton knows there is a long road ahead for him and his team.
“Yeah mate, our young guys are doing their jobs, the older boys are showing a bit of leadership. It’s nothing to get excited about yet though – it’s only round two. It’s good to start the year on a couple of wins, but there’s a lot of work to go.”
Cody Walker: “All of those tries are because of my teammates that I play alongside.”
Cody Walker has reflected on scoring his 100th career try against the Dragons in round two, and is extremely grateful to all his teammates who helped make his brilliant play possible. While he is incredibly proud of this achievement, Walker doesn’t play the game for individual accolades. A team man through and through, he’s all about putting the group first and securing two points after 80 minutes every week.
“To get to 100 is a pretty amazing feat. But I don’t play this game for personal achievements or accolades. I play it because I love being part of a team. All of those tries are because of my teammates that I play alongside, so for the individual accolades I’ve achieved, I give all praise to my teammates.
Team Changes
Jack Wighton returns from suspension in what is a huge boost for the Cardinal and Myrtle. He’ll line up in the centres, with Fletcher Myers named on the wing.
Tallis Duncan has been named to start his first match of 2025. He’ll come into the side in the lock forward position, deputizing for Lachlan Hubner who has been suspended.
Finally, Isaiah Tass has been named on the wing for what is set to be his 50th NRL game. The 25-year-old has scored 14 tries since debuting in 2022 against the Bulldogs in round six, and will be looking to add more to his tally this weekend against the Sharks.
Recent Results
- Round 22, 2024 – Sharks 2-6 Rabbitohs (Shark Park)
- Round 6, 2024 – Sharks 34-22 Rabbitohs (Accor Stadium)
- Round 23, 2023 – Sharks 26-16 Rabbitohs (Optus Stadium)
- Round 1, 2023 – Rabbitohs 27-18 Sharks (Shark Park)
- Round 5, 2022 – Rabbitohs 38-12 Sharks (Shark Park)
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Date: Saturday 22nd March 2025
Kick-off: 3pm (AEDT)
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Woolooware
Where to Watch: Get to the game and support your team live and in-person. If you can't make it to Shark Park, watch live on Fox League and available for streaming on Kayo Sports.
