'13 | R12 | Sat | Rabbitohs 25-18 Knights | ANZ

[Apey]

Knights without Uate, Boyd, Gidley with Buderus & Scott still out. Glad J. Smith is back or it would start to look like slim pickings.

We need Buderus back bad, past it or not he still is better than Waddle.

 

[mongoose]

really tough to pick with all the players missing.

Could come down to Mullen vs Reynolds kicking game.

I'm tipping Souths by 4.

 

[Swarzey]

Isn't there a standard week on the sideline for any sort of concussion? If so, Sutton shouldn't be playing after not getting selected for NSW.

 

[BranVan3000]

Isn't there a standard week on the sideline for any sort of concussion? If so, Sutton shouldn't be playing after not getting selected for NSW.

Never heard of that I think you are confusing it with not coming on for the rest of the game

 

[Swarzey]

Never heard of that I think you are confusing it with not coming on for the rest of the game

Might be. I know there was a crack down on that I think from Farrah last year coming on after the club doctor "cleared him".

Oh well, better to be informed and than ill-informed.

 

[Knights_Premiers]

I'd usually back us to win considering the outs for Souths but can't see how we have any hope tbh. The boys haven't given me any confidence that they can even beat the bottom sides away from home this year. With a few of our own not playing, could be an ugly result. Hopefully they just put 100% in and stay focused on turning things around.

 

[Ziggy the God]

really tough to pick with all the players missing.

Could come down to Mullen vs Reynolds kicking game.

I'm tipping Souths by 4.

Beat post on this thread.

Too many out for both teams to pick with any confidence.

 

[Bumble]

Will Merritt actually make a hit-up this game, seeing as though he'll play fullback?

12 tries in his last 10 games at fullback. I think he'll be fine.

 

[Different kind of Rabbit]

I think some people must not actually watch us play... Ever. Then they just come on here and believe what is typed by complete nuffies in the numerous dopey threads about Souths.

Merritt is a completely different type of fullback to Inglis but that doesn't mean he is any less effective. Inglis excels at busting through a set defensive line and I agree that Merritt is nowhere near as good as Inglis in that department. Merritt is not as good as Inglis in that second 5/8 role that Inglis does so well.

Where Merritt is better than Inglis is in the back up department. As a fulback, Merritt is one of the best support players in the game, he is always sniffing around the middle third looking for an offload or a break to be made. He is excellent running off the likes of Isaac Luke. If the Knights forward pack don't muscle up and Isaac or G Burgess are allowed too much lattitude, Merritt will have a field day. Belive me when I say that if there is an offload to be made, Merritt will be there.

He will also hurt you if you don't present him with a set defensive line on a kick return. He is more than capable of going coast to coast if you don't fence him in.

I know a lot of people see him finishing off backline movements and they think that he can just catch and flop over the line but as Bumble mentioned, 12 tries in 10 games as a fullback tells a completely different story.

 

[Swarzey]

Josh Mantellato to make his debut.

Hopefully tears you lot a new one.

 

[Jono078]

Merritt is much better at fullback than winger, unfortunately for us.

I think we can win this.

 

[Different kind of Rabbit]

I think we can win this.

I agree. It will be a tight game and the result is certainly not cut and dried. If the Knights turn up to play, they can certainly win this match.

I think the talent levels for this game are fairly even, it will come down to who wants it more.

 

[t10do]

Josh Mantellato to make his debut.

Hopefully tears you lot a new one.

Remember watching him for the first time last year (live) and thinking that is not a winger, that is a front rower

Lets hope he doesn't do an Everingham.

I expect both teams to come out cautious.

As has been said, I think it will come to Reynolds (and Mullen for that matter). In saying that, I also have this feeling like DKR that Merritt may continue his good form at number 1.

 

[Swarzey]

I think it's a game we're going to see the replacements shine. Both sides do have a lot of blokes coming in from NSW cup and NYC that have more than enough potential to have a profound impact on the game.

 

[skeepe]

Souths by 50

 

[Jobdog]

Hey Skeepe, you're an idiot

 

[Jobdog]

I think some people must not actually watch us play... Ever. Then they just come on here and believe what is typed by complete nuffies in the numerous dopey threads about Souths.

Merritt is a completely different type of fullback to Inglis but that doesn't mean he is any less effective. Inglis excels at busting through a set defensive line and I agree that Merritt is nowhere near as good as Inglis in that department. Merritt is not as good as Inglis in that second 5/8 role that Inglis does so well.

Where Merritt is better than Inglis is in the back up department. As a fulback, Merritt is one of the best support players in the game, he is always sniffing around the middle third looking for an offload or a break to be made. He is excellent running off the likes of Isaac Luke. If the Knights forward pack don't muscle up and Isaac or G Burgess are allowed too much lattitude, Merritt will have a field day. Belive me when I say that if there is an offload to be made, Merritt will be there.

He will also hurt you if you don't present him with a set defensive line on a kick return. He is more than capable of going coast to coast if you don't fence him in.

I know a lot of people see him finishing off backline movements and they think that he can just catch and flop over the line but as Bumble mentioned, 12 tries in 10 games as a fullback tells a completely different story.

The best way for the Knights to nullify Merritt is to treat him like Barba. Kick to the corners whenever possible and if inside the opposition 40m zone, put the ball in the air.

 

[BranVan3000]

Rumour is Keary will start at five eight and Sutton will play in the backrow

Interesting if true

 

[Noname36]

Rumour is Keary will start at five eight and Sutton will play in the backrow

Interesting if true

That's strange. Perhaps the team trained all week assuming they wouldn't have Sutton so they've decided to keep him out of the halves. Nice option though. If Keary isn't handling it they can just throw Sutton back into 5/8.

Also being reported by a few on the Knights board that young Clysdale is sick so he'll be replaced by Matty Hilder.

 

[woodyk2]

Souffs by 6 , won't be watching.