PRE-GAME Round 25 - Rabbitohs vs Broncos

[Foordy]

As this is a short turn around, i would rest Boyd, give him time to recover from the knees in the back (especially as our top 4 spot is secured). I would recall Maranta, we need his ability under the high ball, especially facing Reynolds.

I would go with:

1. Kahu
2. Oates
3. Copley
4. Hodges
5. Maranta
6. Milford
7. Hunt
8. Thaiday
9. McCullough
10. Blair
11. Glenn
12. Gillett
13. Parker

14. Nikorima
15. Wallace
16. Ofahengue
17. Dodds

If Gillett needs a week off to get over a niggling injury move Oates to the backrow and bring in either Vidot or Reed to play on the wing

 

[Super Freak]

Inglis has been cleared of a serious injury and is likely to play in this game.

 

[jarro65]

They'll be dangerous with Luke back as well.

A really big test for us (again)

 

[abashii]

When do the judiciary charges come out? I want to see how many weeks Boyd gets for trying to smash Maloney's knees before headbutting Dylan Napa's shoulder. Hopefully he'll only get carryover points and can play this week but we haven't had a lot of luck at the judiciary.

 

[subsbligh]

Hmm.... The Rabbitohs will be desparate.

We have already flagged the backing off the gas for these last 2 games, which I don't know is the best confidence builder prior to a tough finals series.

I think we just need to be on pace for Week 1 of the finals.

 

[Renegade]

the single biggest test of the season.

I don't think winning the game is important, but if we are to lose it has to be within a 6 point margin. More than that could be a bit psychologically damaging for the boys.

Copley/Kahu/Reed need to perform a lot better this time around (copley/kahu in comparison to last week, reed in comparison to the round 1 clash).

 

[noisetheory]

we've lost three of our last four. unless someone needs a week (ie boyd) i dont want to rest anyone. we need to hit the finals in form. nows hte time to start getting back to it.

to win the GF from here is only 5 games of football if you win in week 1 of the finals.

not overly concerned though if we lose in a close game. just need to keep up some momentum

 

[redbur95]

Good to see that they're not flying back to Brisbane. The lack of disruption will allow Bennett to psyche them up even more.

 

[Super Freak]

SOUTH Sydney coach Michael Maguire has confirmed star fullback Greg Inglis is expected to play next Thursday night’s blockbuster against the Broncos at ANZ Stadium.

The Bunnies’ legion of fans initially feared the worst when Inglis was forced to hobble off with a knee complaint, but scans have cleared the Rabbitohs’ captain of serious damage.

The challenge for the premiers is now how badly they want to become the first team in 17 seasons to claim back-to-back premierships.

Inconsistency has been the club’s Achilles heel this year, with the Rabbitohs unable to back up a powerful round-23 victory — against North Queensland in Townsville — against a rampant Bulldogs forward pack last Friday.

With Inglis guaranteed to start against the Broncos and playmakers Issac Luke and Luke Keary to return from suspension, the Bunnies can still push for a top-four finish if the playing group decide they want it bad enough.

“Clearly, every team wants their top-quality players at this stage of the season and fortunately for us there is nothing serious about Greg’s injury,” Maguire said.

“He’s had the scans and they’ve basically just come back and shown some jarring around the knee.

“It’s a big relief for everyone at the club, because Greg is such an important leader at our club.”

Maguire unleashed a fearful spray at the Rabbitohs after the Bulldogs out-enthused them from the first whistle.

Back-rower John Sutton confirmed the club had a variety of areas to sharpen up leading into the match against the Broncos, who will be intent on avenging the round one 36-6 smash-up in Brisbane.

“It wasn’t up to our standard and we’re very disappointed,” Sutton said.

“(Maguire) said a lot of things. He’s a passionate man and we’re not playing up to our standards.”

There have been rumblings about South Sydney’s younger players being a touch off in the desire department this year after smashing a 43-season premiership drought last year.

The Rabbitohs’ performance against the Cowboys showed are still capable of mixing it with the best sides. But the road to the semis is as tough as it gets, against the Broncos and then the Sydney Roosters.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/gre...pite-knee-injury/story-e6frf3ou-1227494581199

 

[ivanhungryjak]

Inglis will miss the game and have minor surgery.

Tweeted by Peter Badel.

@badel_cmail: Breaking: greg inglis to have minor knee surgery. Will miss broncos game but should be ok for the finals

 

[Kimlo]

Great. He always plays his best games against us, so I'm happy.

 

[Super Freak]

Damn it.

I just posted the thing on Facebook. Now he is out...

 

[Morkel]

Damn it.

I just posted the thing on Facebook. Now he is out...

Just add a "things change, bro" ;)

 

[Brett]

I'd rest Parker, Gillett and Boyd. Wayne said in the press conference after the Roosters game that regardless of results, we're still going to finish 1, 2 or 3 and that their goal at the start of the season was to finish in the top 4. He went on to say he would likely rest players. It's the smart move!

 

[jarro65]

I think we can frustrate the Bunnies into losing this game.

Our defence was pretty good against the Roosters, except for early on when they had all the ball and we weren't moving up to meet them.

If we can hold our own and stop the big bunnies forwards then i reckon they'll self destruct.

A winnable game for mine, moreso than the Roosters match.

 

[Broncs1459]

I'd rest Parker, Gillett and Boyd. Wayne said in the press conference after the Roosters game that regardless of results, we're still going to finish 1, 2 or 3 and that their goal at the start of the season was to finish in the top 4. He went on to say he would likely rest players. It's the smart move!

We need a win though. Can't go into the finals only having beat the Dragons...

 

[vertigo]

the single biggest test of the season.

Saturday night was it, this is more winnable with Inglis out.

 

[Unbreakable]

I wouldn't be resting anyone, we need to win this one imo.

1. Boyd
2. Maranta
3. Copley
4. Hodges (c)
5. Kahu
6. Milford
7. Hunt
8. Blair
9. McCullough
10. Thaiday
11. Glenn
12. Gillett
13. Parker

14. Wallace
15. Ofahengaue
16. Oates
17. Nikorima