PREVIEW: Rd 6, 2016
Words: Tom Skolarikis I Video: Guy Bevan
Thu 7th April, 04:27PM
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Fujitsu Presents
Rabbitohs v Roosters
Friday 8 April 2016
7:50pm - NRL Kick Off
The game’s oldest rivalry returns to ANZ Stadium this Friday night when the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Sydney Roosters in Round 6 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Bragging rights and competition points will be well and truly on the line in the affair, as well as the coveted Ron Coote Cup – a trophy that celebrates Souths Junior, Rabbitohs and Roosters Premiership winner, Ron Coote for his immeasurable contribution to both organisations.
But while the history, rivalry and everything that goes with it will set the scene well for what promises to be another memorable event, it all comes down to what happens on the field.
The Rabbitohs come into the clash having won three out of their first five games, while the Roosters meanwhile are yet to open their 2016 account.
Click here for this week’s Rabbitohs line-up.
Click here for this week’s Roosters line-up.
The men in Red and Green showed plenty of character to grind out a win against the fast-finishing Sea Eagles in Round 5, but will be looking to build and improve on that effort.
And while it was the Rabbitohs who took the points against the Chooks in Round 1, Head Coach Michael Maguire cited the fact that the match will be a whole new ball-game, with the focus of his side firmly trained on getting the two points this week.
“You look at a few performances along the way but it’s a whole new ball game when we step out on Friday,” said Maguire.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re really focussed about the things that we need to do.
“For us, we’ve got a lot of things that we need to improve on so it’s about looking at the little things that we need to get better as a team. We need to be a lot stronger defensively right through the middle of the park.”
Tricolours coach, Trent Robinson, meanwhile has been pleased with his side’s ‘fight’ in recent weeks leading into this week’s game.
“I thought especially the last two weeks after the Cowboys game, the boys have been fighting hard,” said Robinson.
“Two opportunities to win games, but when you lose a few, it’s hard to get across that line in the end.”
Spotlight – The Outside Backs
After spending a week on the sidelines as a precaution, Bryson Goodwin returns to the starting line-up to bolster Souths’ stocks. His inclusion on the wing means Kirisome Auva’a will reprise his role in the centres for the second consecutive week in a move that is sure to add plenty of starch to the Red and Green defence out wide. Throw in the likes of Hymel Hunt, Aaron Gray and Greg Inglis – all of whom have performed strongly so far this season – and Souths’ outside backs will this week possess formidable strike power in both attack and defence.
NYC
Fujitsu Presents
Rabbitohs v Roosters
Friday 8 April 2016
5:35pm - NYC Kick Off
After five games played so far in 2016, the Rabbitohs NYC (under 20s) outfit find themselves sitting in fourth position on the competition ladder with three wins and two losses heading into this Friday’s clash against the second-placed Roosters.
Currently just one win ahead of the Rabbitohs, the Roosters come into the match having trounced the New Zealand Warriors by 44-6 at Central Coast Stadium – a game that did wonders for the side’s for and against.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs took Manly to task at Brookvale Oval in Round 5 with the men in Red and Green emerging 32-22 victors after the 80 minutes in a performance that showed glimpses of brilliance from David Penna’s men.
Look to players such as fullback Tom Perrin, halfback Liam Coleman, as well as five-eighth Chad O’Donnell to provide plenty in the way of creativity as they look to get outside of the Roosters in this Round 6 clash.
Make sure you’re at ANZ Stadium early to help cheer on the Club’s next generation of players do battle with our oldest rivals.
http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2016/04/07/preview_rd_6_2016.html
hopefully it's my presence that helps:lol::lol:
