South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters
ANZ Stadium, 7:00pm local time
RABBITOHS: Dylan Farrell, Matt King, Shaune Corrigan, Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess, Nathan Peats, Roy Asotasi, Dave Taylor, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker. Interchange (from): Dave Tyrell, Chris McQueen, Scott Geddes, Jason Clark, Necron Areaiiti, Fetuli Talanoa
ROOSTERS: Anthony Minichiello, Justin Carney, Joseph Leilua, Mitchell Aubusson, Sam Perrett, Braith Anasta (c), Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Lama Tasi, Aidan Guerra, Boyd Cordner, Frank-Paul Nuuausala. Interchange (from): Tinirau Arona, Mose Masoe, Martin Kennedy, Daniel Mortimer, Anthony Mitchell, Peni Tagive
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL KICKS OFF with an old fashioned rivalry as the Rabbitohs and Roosters face off at Homebush. The big news leading into this confrontation is that Rabbitohs centre Greg Inglis has been cleared to play after some doubts caused by a foot injury. Hooker Isaac Luke wasn’t so lucky and will miss the match following a one week suspension for contact with a referee in a trial game.
The game also marks the return of Matt King to the NRL. King last played in the Grand Final of 2007 and has since been in the UK. The big centre has plenty of experience and knows how to find the tryline so be sure to keep an eye on him.
For the Roosters Captain Braith Anasta will be playing in his favoured 5/8th role and it will be interesting to see if missing the two pre-season trials will have any effect on his match fitness.
It’s been dead even between these two sides with both taking 3 wins from their last 6 meetings.
I’m expecting a close one here to finish off round 1 of 2012 and can see the experience of Braith Anasta and Mitchell Pearce just getting the Roosters home.
Chance of winning: Rabbitohs 49%, Roosters 50%, Draw 1%
Mike’s Tip: Roosters
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Starting Bank: $2000, Current Bank $2039.22
(Team lists sourced from nrl.com.au)
