PREVIEW: Round 3, 2016
Words: Lachlan Stewart & Tom Skolarikis I Video: Guy Bevan
Fri 18th March, 04:11PM
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Dragons v Rabbitohs
SCG, Sunday 20 March
Kick-off – 4.00pm
After starting the season with impressive all-round performances in the first two weeks of the Telstra Premiership, the Rabbitohs will be looking to register their third victory when they take on the St George Illawarra Dragons on the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Having recorded victories over St George Illawarra in their previous four encounters, the Rabbitohs will be looking to continue their recent run of success against the Red V and build upon their Round 2 performance, which saw the Red and Greens secure a 48-6 victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Head Coach Michael Maguire was pleased with his team’s victory over the Novocastrians, but emphasised that week-to-week development is a necessity.
Click here to see Maguire’s line-up for Round 3.
“It was very thorough from the boys, we just need to make sure we maintain the things we’re doing well for next week,” said Maguire.
“They’re playing good footy for each other and we’ve got to build on that this week at training.”
The clash between the traditional rivals will bring together two sides who have had vastly different starts to the season on the most historic stage in the game. The Dragons will be looking to bounce back from two losses to the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Despite not claiming any premiership points in the first two rounds of the season though, the joint venture has shown glimpses of brilliance.
“They’ve got a lot of quality across the park – we know what they are capable of doing,” said Maguire.
“We’re playing against a team that are coming off what they have. They’ve probably had a fair chat amongst themselves about what they want to do, so we’ve got a lot to play for each week.
“The fact that there’s competition in our team makes things really enjoyable in the organisation.”
Although the two teams might be sitting at different ends of the ladder early in the season, the historic nature of the encounter will undeniably add to the passion for both sides.
With South Sydney and St George competing in five Grand Finals before the Dragons amalgamated with the Illawarra Steelers, the significant history between the two sides should not be underestimated.
The Rabbitohs and Dragons have already come together once this year in the Charity Shield, with the Rabbitohs securing a tight 18-14 victory over the Saints, illustrating just how close Sunday’s game will be.
The Rabbitohs will take on the St George Illawarra Dragons again at the SCG this Sunday. Kick-off is at 4pm. Click here to purchase your tickets!
Spotlight: The halves
Once again all eyes will be on the halves for the Rabbitohs. The combination of Cody Walker and Luke Keary shone last week against the Knights, with the duo setting up three tries and scoring one between them, playing an instrumental part in the 48-6 victory. The newly formed pairing will be looking to improve even more.
On the other side of the spectrum, Dragons halves Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall will be looking to improve upon their Round 2 performance against the Sharks, a match where the Red V were unable to cross the try-line. The Dragons were only able to post two-points in the game, courtesy of a penalty goal. Without a doubt, both Widdop and Marshall will be looking to assert their authority early.
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Dragons v Rabbitohs
SCG, Sunday 20 March
Kick-off – 1.45pm
The David Penna-coached Rabbitohs under 20s side will go in search of their second win of the 2016 season on Sunday when they take on the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 3 of the competition at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Rabbitohs grabbed their first win of the 2016 season last week after downing the Newcastle Knights by 28-14 at ANZ Stadium in sweltering conditions.
While the first half saw the lead change a number of times, the Rabbitohs would outmuscle the Newcastle outfit in the second half by taking advantage of a number of opportunities to score. Winger Tom Perrin helped his side to victory with two tries to his name.
Meanwhile, the Dragons will be all riled up leading into the clash following two consecutive losses to the Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The Rabbitohs are firmly in their sights now, and with momentum behind the Red and Green’s and the Dragons looking to breathe fire to kick-start their season, this is a match-up not be missed.
Get out to the SCG early on Sunday to cheer-on the future stars of South Sydney against the Dragons!
http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2016/03/18/preview_round_3_2016.html
