NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Rabbitohs

Canberra returned to the winner’s circle last Friday night after securing a tight 20-18 win over the Warriors at home.

On the other hand, South Sydney will be riding high with confidence after claiming a dominant 42-28 victory over the Wests Tigers last week at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford.

Talking Points

• After their tight win against the Warriors, the Green Machine are sitting two points outside the eight, boosted by the anticipated return of injured duo Jamal Fogarty and Zac Hosking.
• Captain Elliott Whitehead is set to play his 200th Raiders game in this clash.
• The Raiders lineup has remained unchanged from their clash last week against the Warriors.
• South Sydney’s lineup sees one change from last week, with Michael Chee Kam moving to the centres to replace an injured Richie Kennar and Jacob Host coming into the back row.
• The Raiders have won four of their past five games against the Rabbitohs.

Quote

We play our best footy coming down the stretch. We're looking forward to the challenge ahead and I know what this playing group can do.

Tom Starling on the club's run towards finals. #362

Last Time They Met

In round 13 of last season, the Raiders defeated the Rabbitohs 33-26 at Accor Stadium, Sydney.

Key Match-Up

Tom Starling v Damien Cook

As fans gather at GIO Stadium this Sunday night to watch the Raiders take on the Rabbitohs, all eyes will be on the exciting match-up between the two powerful hookers. 

Currently in his sixth season with the Raiders, Tom Starling has established himself as a crucial component of the team’s forward pack. In his career, Starling has scored 11 tries in 102 appearances.

Starling was as a top performer for the Raiders last Friday night, making 55 tackles after playing his first full 80 minutes of the season against the Warriors.

In defence, Starling has made an impressive 375 tackles with a 94.9% efficiency, showcasing his reliability and resilience in the defensive line.

On the other hand, Damien Cook’s extensive career includes representing New South Wales and Australia, collecting 34 tries in 209 appearances.

In the 2024 season, the South’s hooker has made 625 tackles with a 92.7% efficiency.

Come Sunday, the clash of these two hookers will be one to watch, with the potential to break the game open with their speed around the ruck.

Head-to-Head

These teams have met 32 times before, with the Raiders holding 18 wins over the Rabbitohs 14.