As the NRL rolls into Round 25, the Rabbitohs are back at Accor Stadium for the Rabbitohs Members Appreciation Round, a highlight in the South Sydney calendar.
South Sydney will run out in Super Saturday’s headline slot at 7:35pm to take on the Newcastle Knights, a side against whom they have an excellent record, from which they will take much confidence. Rabbitohs and Knights Members and supporters will also be allowed to access the playing surface at Accor Stadium approximately 15 minutes after the match on Saturday night with the Rabbitohs Fans on the Field experience!
The Rabbitohs have had a dominant run over the Knights in the last decade, winning nine of their last 12 matches for a 75% winning record since 2014. They also have a 75% all-time win record over the Knights at Accor Stadium, having played eight times for six wins going all the way back to 2006.
The last time South Sydney came up against Newcastle at Accor Stadium was round 14 in 2021. As their record would suggest, the Rabbitohs were too good on this occasion, putting the Knights away 24-10 in what was ultimately quite a comfortable victory.
An Alex Johnston hat-trick gave South Sydney Members and fans plenty to celebrate, while a try to Jaydn Su’A with 20 minutes to go sealed the result for the Red and Green. Cody Walker had an absolute wow of a game, having a hand in each of Johnston’s tries, including throwing the final pass for his second and third four-pointer.
The Rabbitohs will unfortunately be without Walker for this clash after he sustained a head injury late in the game last weekend against the Tigers. Coming into the side to take Walker’s place is the very capable Dean Hawkins, who has himself made a highly successful comeback from injury through the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup the last two weeks.
Hawkins had an extended run in the NRL side earlier in the year, playing at halfback from rounds three to nine, before tearing his quadriceps in South Sydney’s round nine loss to the Penrith Panthers. Having not appeared in the NRL since then, the 2023 NSWRL NSW Cup Player of the Year will relish the chance to take control of the side in Walker’s absence and state his case for inclusion in the NRL side going forward.
Another player who has taken his NRL opportunity with both hands in recent weeks has been left winger Fletcher Myers. After a promising debut three weeks ago against the Sharks, Myers managed to get his name in the bright lights the following week with his maiden NRL double against the Storm in round 23.
He also had a fantastic game against the Tigers last weekend, making seven tackle breaks and running for 89 post contact metres. Myers will be primed for another big game and will certainly look to make the most of his opportunity in the top grade.
Keep an eye on Jacob Gagai as he squares off against his brother Dane for the first time in his NRL career. Despite playing on opposite sides of the field, the brothers will be looking challenge each other with some spirited runs, adding a personal twist to the game.
Stat Attack
- South Sydney have played Newcastle eight times at Accor Stadium for six wins.
- The Rabbitohs have won their last two matches against the Knights at Accor Stadium by margins more than 13 points.
- South Sydney defeated Newcastle in nine of their last 12 encounters going back a decade.
- Fletcher Myers has scored two tries from his three appearances in the NRL. He has also made a whopping 13 tackle breaks in that time.
- Since returning from injury in round 23, Dean Hawkins has played two games in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, scoring a try and setting up two.
