2024 Rabbitohs Round 21 - Vs Raiders

[callmack1]

Moving onto the next week, and we go into Round 21. Seven games to go, and in this one, we take on the Raiders in the nation’s capital on Sunday night. A pretty big clash for us that I’m sure will have plenty of build up during the week. The main storyline will of course be Jackie Wighton’s first game against his old club and it being the first time he’s returned to Canberra since signing with us. I’m sure it would feel a little strange for him, but I’m also sure it will fire him up and he’ll hopefully be in for a big one.

It's a bit of a tough game too. The Raiders are a little up and down in 2024. They have a roster that is capable of making the eight, with a lot of rep talent in the side, especially in the forwards, but they just seem to underperform for the most part. Let’s hope that’s the case come Sunday, but I have a feeling it’s not going to be. Ricky wasn’t happy with their performance on Friday night, and he’ll be into them this week, so expect us to face a different side on Sunday night. It’s going to be a challenge I feel, but one we’re hopefully up to.

For us, the big focus this week HAS to be defence. Our attack is fine, and will do the job as long as our forwards match theirs, but if we defend like we did yesterday, then Canberra will carve us up. We’ve taken a massive step backwards in that area lately, so it MUST improve. If we can defend at the level we were during the winning streak, then I’m confident the other areas of our game are good enough to get us over the line.

A Sunday game means a long turnaround and plenty of time to get things right and build again so hopefully the boys can do that.

Looking forward to Sunday! And can’t wait to see us run out there in our very nice alternate strip.

Have a good week lads! Let’s go!!

Glory, Glory.

 

[Hellray]

Does Kennar need to be tested due to the Cat 1 concussion rule?

 

[speedster]

Does Kennar need to be tested due to the Cat 1 concussion rule?

He'll be out. Question is, does Myers come in for him given that Myers plays left side and we need a right centre? Do they go with Mansfield-Webster who is raw but powerful and not in our top squad yet (would need to be given approval) or do they go with the more experienced guy in ITT who can play centre as well as wing, right or left?

 

[BotanyBorn&Bred]

He'll be out. Question is, does Myers come in for him given that Myers plays left side and we need a right centre? Do they go with Mansfield-Webster who is raw but powerful and not in our top squad yet (would need to be given approval) or do they go with the more experienced guy in ITT who can play centre as well as wing, right or left?

They will probably go with Chee-Kam

 

[callmack1]

He'll be out. Question is, does Myers come in for him given that Myers plays left side and we need a right centre? Do they go with Mansfield-Webster who is raw but powerful and not in our top squad yet (would need to be given approval) or do they go with the more experienced guy in ITT who can play centre as well as wing, right or left?

Do we go with Cook again? He did a great job there last game, but I think this one will be different. Coming into it, my biggest concern is the yardage battle. Therefore, I think we need a big body out there to help out the pack. We also need Cookie's defence in the middle because of that, plus, Pete is in some doubt. So, I'd be going with Thompson, even over Myers. It's a little risky, but I think it's the best option.

There's also a bit of chat on other forums that people weren't happy with Duncan on the edge.
I agree that Duncan made a couple of defensive errors in the weekend's game, one of them very costly. However, without Cam out there and with Hosty very underdone, he is our best option on the edge. We have to remember that was his first game there and will be better for the run, thus, better this coming weekend hopefully. I have faith in him and would pick him there again if I was the coach, especially now that Liva is back and can spell Keaon if he needs it.

 

[callmack1]

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/itll-be-a-weird-feeling-for-him-jack-wighton-heads-back-to-canberra-for-first-time-as-souths-look-to-keep-slim-finals-hopes-alive/news-story/63d176cad34ac5dba6fa87d8a0e99de3

 

[Hellray]

If Host is fit I can see Chee Kam moving to centre. If not it could be Thompson or Myers

 

[speedster]

They will probably go with Chee-Kam

There's a few options, Bit of a curly one. Depends if Host is fit again. A speedy fullback like Weekes will be licking his lips with a slower man like Cheeks out in the centres. I dunno.

 

[speedster]

Do we go with Cook again? He did a great job there last game, but I think this one will be different. Coming into it, my biggest concern is the yardage battle. Therefore, I think we need a big body out there to help out the pack. We also need Cookie's defence in the middle because of that, plus, Pete is in some doubt. So, I'd be going with Thompson, even over Myers. It's a little risky, but I think it's the best option.

There's also a bit of chat on other forums that people weren't happy with Duncan on the edge.
I agree that Duncan made a couple of defensive errors in the weekend's game, one of them very costly. However, without Cam out there and with Hosty very underdone, he is our best option on the edge. We have to remember that was his first game there and will be better for the run, thus, better this coming weekend hopefully. I have faith in him and would pick him there again if I was the coach, especially now that Liva is back and can spell Keaon if he needs it.

I'd be totally shocked if Cookie was selected to start the game at centre. That he gets shunted there in a reshuffle is one thing, but seeing him run round in the 3 or 4 jersey would be astounding. Debuting rookies is always risky but if you don't risk, you can't get rewards.

Tallis needs more time to adjust to a new position he's never played before. He's got the physique and lateral movement to be a decent edge man, he's just got to learn his new craft. He needs to be a fast learner though. I'll back him in. He looks quick between the ears.