Roosters v Rabbitohs preview

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Allianz Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

Two top eight teams in contrasting form heading into September.

Despite injuries to Mitchell Pearce and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the Roosters had little trouble accounting for Manly at Brookvale Oval last Friday night. Returning to Allianz Stadium to face off against traditional rivals South Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs club will be out to avenge their 34-26 loss earlier in the season and secure their third minor premiership in as many years. After spending last week on the sidelines through suspension, Michael Jennings will take his place in the centres forcing the versatile Mitchell Aubusson onto the bench at the expense of former Raider Matt McIlwrick. While recent history suggest the Roosters have struggled against the Rabbitohs, managing just two wins from the past seven meetings, coach Trent Robinson will have his side ready to make a statement heading into the finals.

At the start of 2015 the Rabbitohs looked unbeatable, with one week left in the regular season the defending premiers appear to be a spent force. Facing off against a red-hot Broncos side last week, South Sydney were outclassed across the park, conceding eight tries in a 47-12 annihilation. Losing John Sutton (injury) and Issac Luke (suspension) last week, the Rabbitohs face an uphill battle to compete against the Roosters with captain Greg Inglis still sidelined. Chris McQueen and Cameron McInnes return after spending last week in NSW Cup, while Tom Burgess will play his 50th match after debuting back in 2013.

Last meeting: Round 2 2015 - South Sydney Rabbitohs 34 Sydney Roosters 26

Who to watch: While the loss of Jared Waerea-Hagreaves will hurt the Roosters leading into the finals, Suaia Matagi will be looking to make the most of his opportunity after linking up with the club mid-season. Unwanted by the Warriors, the New Zealand and Samoan representative front rower will bring a wealth of experience and size to an already impressive side. With Mitchell Pearce set to return next week, Matagi will be out to consolidate his place in the Roosters line-up by producing a big performance off the bench.

In the absence of Greg Inglis last week, Dylan Walker displayed considerable ability filling in at fullback. Named in the centres this week, the Australian representative will need to be at his best if the Rabbitohs are to turnaround their poor end to the season. At his best Walker is capable of single-handedly winning a match, but much like South Sydney's season his form has been inconsistent. If the Rabbitohs are to come away with an unlikely win, expect Walker to play a major role in the result.

The favourite: The Roosters are expected to claim their third consecutive minor premiership with a win over their arch-rivals.

My tip: The Rabbitohs look like a team playing on borrowed time, while the Roosters only appear to be building towards another tilt at the title. Roosters by 16.

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Brendan Elliott 6. James Maloney 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Mitchell Aubusson 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Suaia Matagi 18. Matt McIlwrick

1. Alex Johnston 2. Joel Reddy 3. Dylan Walker 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. David Tyrrell 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Chris McQueen 13. Kyle Turner
Interchange: 14. Jason Clark 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. Tim Grant 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Paul Carter

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea;

Check out all the action live in our Match Centre