ANZAC Day. One of the most sacred days in the Australian calendar. A day synonymous with respect for the armed forces, gratitude for what we have, ANZAC biscuits, two-up, and of course, Rugby League.
In 2024, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will have the privilege of playing on this very special day for the first time since 2014.
On this occasion ten years ago, the Rabbitohs came up against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in what was a clash for the ages. A see-sawing contest with plenty of lead changes, South Sydney managed to jag a 28-26 win, with a very late penalty goal proving to be the difference between the two sides.
This year, the Cardinal and Myrtle will travel south to meet the Storm in Melbourne, in what should be another gripping contest.
The Rabbitohs and the Storm last met almost a year ago at Magic Round 2023 in front of 50,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium. Souths were the better side on the day, claiming victory over their opponents 28 points to 12.
Alex Johnston was at his try-scoring best as he bagged a scintillating double, while Cody Walker, Jacob Host and Isaiah Tass all got in on the scoring action too in what was a dominant display by the Red and Green.
The Rabbitohs will take plenty of confidence out of that result, as they look to secure back-to-back victories over the Storm for the first time, as well as their first ever win in Melbourne.
After coming off the bye in round seven, South Sydney will be fresh, rested, and raring to go for this match, and will be buoyed by the return of several top-line stars.
QLD Origin forward Jai Arrow has been named to return in his first game since round one in Las Vegas. After missing the last five games, Arrow will be keen to make up for lost time by making an immediate impact when he takes the field.
Hooker Damien Cook has also been named to make his return in the number nine jersey and will be eager to utilise his speed out of dummy half to put pressure on the Storm’s middle defence.
Jacob Gagai returns to the NRL on the wing for his second career start. After a try on debut in round one, Gagai will look to pick up where he left off in Vegas and stake his claim for a more permanent spot in the NRL side.
Finally, fullback Jye Gray will be eager to back up from his highly impressive first grade debut with another stellar performance at the back.
Gray ran for a whopping 172 metres in round six against the Sharks, and was an absolute ball of energy from the back field for the Rabbitohs.
Gray will be looking to build on his first appearance in the NRL by further sparking the Rabbitohs’ attack and attaining his first ever victory in the top grade.
Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs last played on ANZAC Day in 2014, defeating the Brisbane Broncos 28-26 in a thriller at Suncorp Stadium
- South Sydney has a good record in ANZAC Round clashes, winning three of their last five matches dating back to 2018 (ANZAC Round didn’t happen in 2020 due to COVID)
- Souths have won two of their last three against the Melbourne Storm
