Finals Week 3 Preliminary Final - Raiders vs Rabbitohs: Friday 27th September 7:50pm @GIO Stadium

[callmack1]

Well, we've made the Preliminary Final!!! That in itself is a huge achievement for any side but we don't want to stop there at all. This is our chance to make the Grand Final and we need to take it with both hands! Really looking forward to this absolutely huge game against the high flying Raiders! We got the win last week but it certainly wasn't pretty and I still see that as an off night. We can't play like that again or we'll get rolled so we need to be a lot better against Canberra in this Prelim.

A roadtrip down to Canberra is always quite tough because it will be a very hostile crowd down there but hopefully a lot of our supporters make the trip and we can have a decent representation there.

You don't need me to tell you that we quite simply need to be on. Once again, it's do or die footy so we cannot afford to have an off game. We'll go into this one as underdogs but that's just the way we like it. The fact that it's a Prelim should fire the boys up, if it doesn't, nothing will. I'm sure we'll be ready. Canberra will be feeling very confident after their win against the Storm and they've hed the week off so they'll be fresh too. The Raiders will be so fired up and super primed for this one so we need to be exactly the same! We will have to be better in all areas to match them, defence especially. I know we have the side to do it, the boys know they have the side to do it and we have that fighting spirit to go out there and do it, it's just a matter of actually going out there and doing it!

This is a chance to make the Grand Final!!

Week 3 Finals Draw, match-ups: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/22/week-3-finals-draw-match-ups/

 

[Rabbit57]

Well, we've made the Preliminary Final!!! That in itself is a huge achievement for any side but we don't want to stop there at all. This is our chance to make the Grand Final and we need to take it with both hands! Really looking forward to this absolutely huge game against the high flying Raiders! We got the win last week but it certainly wasn't pretty and I still see that as an off night. We can't play like that again or we'll get rolled so we need to be a lot better against Canberra in this Prelim.

A roadtrip down to Canberra is always quite tough because it will be a very hostile crowd down there but hopefully a lot of our supporters make the trip and we can have a decent representation there.

You don't need me to tell you that we quite simply need to be on. Once again, it's do or die footy so we cannot afford to have an off game. We'll go into this one as underdogs but that's just the way we like it. The fact that it's a Prelim should fire the boys up, if it doesn't, nothing will. I'm sure we'll be ready. Canberra will be feeling very confident after their win against the Storm and they've hed the week off so they'll be fresh too. The Raiders will be so fired up and super primed for this one so we need to be exactly the same! We will have to be better in all areas to match them, defence especially. I know we have the side to do it, the boys know they have the side to do it and we have that fighting spirit to go out there and do it, it's just a matter of actually going out there and doing it!

This is a chance to make the Grand Final!!

Week 3 Finals Draw, match-ups: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/22/week-3-finals-draw-match-ups/

Defence will be the key. We can’t keep letting teams score at will and hope we score more.
We need line speed to stop the opposition roll
We also need to think about our reserves. If we run into defensive trouble in the centres a Turner or Sua will provide much more than Nicholls ( Not bagging Nicholls who has always given 100%) but we need players who can compete with BJL and co out wide
It hasn’t always been a pretty year but still alive, still a hope.

 

[Travitoh]

Defence will be the key. We can’t keep letting teams score at will and hope we score more.
We need line speed to stop the opposition roll
We also need to think about our reserves. If we run into defensive trouble in the centres a Turner or Sua will provide much more than Nicholls ( Not bagging Nicholls who has always given 100%) but we need players who can compete with BJL and co out wide
It hasn’t always been a pretty year but still alive, still a hope.

Even without considering cover in the centres, i feel Turner and Sua should come in for Nicholls and George to provide more mobility in the pack. Start Sua at 12, Sam at prop and Knight from the bench for an injection of aggression.
Switch Gagai and Graham too.

I feel Souths are a big chance here if they turn up. Canberra have been going into games as underdogs up until now. This will be the first big game they've been favourites for and as a result, the first time they're playing with pressure of expectation. An upset is certainly on the cards and a Bradbury premiership is alive!

 

[assess5]

Tried to watch the Canterbury cup on Sunday, Sua was very very ordinary as was Turner.
Switched channels the game was that bad and the Souths team of a lot of guys who played firsts this year where mediocre.

 

[exile on main street]

Even without considering cover in the centres, i feel Turner and Sua should come in for Nicholls and George to provide more mobility in the pack. Start Sua at 12, Sam at prop and Knight from the bench for an injection of aggression.
Switch Gagai and Graham too.

I feel Souths are a big chance here if they turn up. Canberra have been going into games as underdogs up until now. This will be the first big game they've been favourites for and as a result, the first time they're playing with pressure of expectation. An upset is certainly on the cards and a Bradbury premiership is alive!

Agree, the pressure will be immense on the Raiders, sadly for us they seem far more mentally stronger than past seasons.

 

[Travitoh]

Agree, the pressure will be immense on the Raiders, sadly for us they seem far more mentally stronger than past seasons.

They seem stronger but this will be their biggest test of the season mentally. Crocker showed signs of struggle against Melbourne and imo, the ceiling of their halves doesn't come close with ours.

 

[callmack1]

Fullback return primes Doueihi for Raiders threat: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/23/fullback-return-primes-doueihi-for-raiders-threat/

Coogee over Canberra - How Burgess tried to pinch Bateman: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/23/coogee-over-canberra-how-burgess-tried-to-pinch-bateman/

Training Gallery - Finals Week 3: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/23/training-gallery-finals-week-3/

Sounds like Jimmy is in a bit of doubt, Wayne has rated him a 50/50 chance.

Predicted NRL Preliminary Final teams: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/0c57b2ac589ec04c7e4672c6b2fcc398

Wayne Bennett and Ricky Stuart will face off this week but ‘haven’t spoken in years’. Here’s why: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/5e68c13ecba7b3392b5292abde894180

Calls for Sam Burgess to return to the middle are growing. Here’s why he should stick to the edge: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/5a89d0404b0caf0c5a89a561132f4a6a

NSW coach Brad Fittler loved Cody Walker's perfect response to his criticism: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/south-...riticism/56e81fcf-b947-4037-b214-981e012af5a1

 

[callmack1]

Apologetic Burgess receives suspended fine over 'kangaroo court' comments: https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/23...-suspended-fine-over-kangaroo-court-comments/

NRL's Statement on Sam Burgess: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/23/nrls-statement-on-sam-burgess/

$10,000 for that is an absolute joke!

 

[callmack1]

My predicted Line Up for this weeks Preliminary Final,

1. Doueihi
2. Johnston
3. Roberts
4. Graham
5. Gagai
6. Walker
7. Reynolds
8. T.Burgess
9. Cook
10. Knight
11. Sutton
12. S.Burgess (C)
13. Murray

14. Lowe
15. Nicholls
16. G.Burgess
17. Tatola

I expect the Line Up to be named the same as last week with one change, Gags to the right wing and Graham to left centre. Gags simply can't play centre again unless forced to due to injury. There seems to be a bit of a cloud over the Jet at the moment so if he can't make it out there, Gags will have to play right centre with Allan on the wing. Hopefully Jimmy will be okay. Otherwise, I expect the team to remain the same.

Guess we'll find out soon!

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

The jet is a big game player. No point resting him if there is no tomorrow.

Your only chance to jag the win is to launch massive attack from kick off.

A kicking game into space. Turn their giant backs around.

You can’t match their physicality. No one can.

 

[callmack1]

Finals Week 3 NRL Line Up vs Raiders: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/finals-week-three-nrl-line-up-vs-raiders/

Pretty happy with that. Would have been good to see Gags and Graham swap but that might still change before kick off. Otherwise, a very strong side!

 

[Travitoh]

Finals Week 3 NRL Line Up vs Raiders: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/finals-week-three-nrl-line-up-vs-raiders/

Pretty happy with that. Would have been good to see Gags and Graham swap but that might still change before kick off. Otherwise, a very strong side!

Interesting that both Hiroti and Allan are in reserve. Could one get a bench spot?

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Finals Week 3 NRL Line Up vs Raiders: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/finals-week-three-nrl-line-up-vs-raiders/

Pretty happy with that. Would have been good to see Gags and Graham swap but that might still change before kick off. Otherwise, a very strong side!

Probably will just get back to who is up for it mentally.

Raiders go into it massive favourites and that will work against them.

 

[callmack1]

Cook keen on Redemption: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/cook-keen-on-redemption/

Brydens Lawyers Injury Report - Finals Week 3: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/brydens-injury-report---finals-week-3/

No mention of Murray in that report but hopefully both him and the Jet are allgood.

"We find ways to win and that gives us confidence" - Thomas Burgess: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...nd-that-gives-us-confidence---thomas-burgess/

"If we could all be fair and honest, I think that's good" - Sam Burgess: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...-and-honest-i-think-thats-good---sam-burgess/

Bennett's orders - Make your own way to Canberra: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/bennetts-orders-make-your-own-way-to-canberra/

The Jet grounded - James Roberts’ injury could force Bunnies backline shuffle for Raiders Prelim: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...l/news-story/df9e8b2aebccfefb9aec42029d3577ed

Raiders-Rabbitohs blockbuster sold out 36 minutes after going public: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...t/news-story/f934960dd919d4ed450fa9c009e9d6f2

Luke Lewis urges Wayne Bennett to switch Dane Gagai back to the wing for Raiders v Rabbitohs: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/75cd8f36ed195539d6af8a3556cc3cc3

Rabbitohs' stars James Roberts Cameron Murray in doubt for Preliminary Final: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-ne...ry-final/1527e5fe-16d6-4c76-b53c-985b64bdbdfc

 

[callmack1]

Rewriting the Record Books 7 Englishmen at a Time: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/24/rewriting-the-record-books-7-englishmen-at-at-a-time/

Gagai feels for Trbojevic: https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/league

 

[Rabbit57]

Interesting that both Hiroti and Allan are in reserve. Could one get a bench spot?

Guessing that if either of the centres are not right it will be Graham in the centre and Allan on the wing. Not a bad outcome defensively.

 

[Mr Spock!]

What happened to Turner?

He did alright in the centres.

 

[assess5]

Guessing that if either of the centres are not right it will be Graham in the centre and Allan on the wing. Not a bad outcome defensively.

I'm faster than Allan.

 

[250excf]

I'm faster than Allan.

Look at the bigger picture mate , ok you may be faster than CA but he’s put there for his defence not his pace Joey and Jordan are no super speed freaks they are just super powerful ball runners and CA is a big boy and he can surely tackle better than Gags
He smashed Corey Oates every time he got ball against the Broncos where as previously Oates has destroyed us
If we are any Hope we need Corey Allen and Campbell Graham defending against Joey and Jordan that’s our weakest link that edge

 

[callmack1]

No love lost for English contingent preparing for Battle of Britain: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...h-contingent-preparing-for-battle-of-britain/

Wayne's special order for Rabbitohs ahead of Prelim Final: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...al-order-for-rabbitohs-ahead-of-prelim-final/

Lowe gets his ribs right to go again: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/25/lowe-gets-his-ribs-right-to-go-again/

Why it will be a Rabbitohs v Roosters Grand Final: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2019/09/25/why-it-will-be-a-rabbitohs-v-roosters-grand-final/

The tough Craig Bellamy call Wayne Bennett should consider: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/d8f83234ea687adc0f4905ec3827d896

Sam Burgess backs renewed brother George for big finish as end of an era dawns at Rabbitohs: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/7dad8386ab36b3edacc7d1803da2e6f3