Wayne Bennett has never lost a Magic Round game. He’s 4 from 4 and the bookies think he’s a shoe-in to make it 5 from 5.
Latrell Mitchell is suspended after being cited for a grade 2 on Sualauvi Faalogo in their loss to the Storm , 24-16 last week. The Rabbitohs injury list now includes Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Jamie Humphreys. The Rabbits are on 3 paws, but the legend that is Wayne Bennett will continue to coax more out of his men.
The Rabbitohs have won three of their past four games without Mitchell so the form line suggests Bennett’s men are the likely winners.
Lewis Dodd will come in at five eighth, Jye Gray will go to fullback, Euan Aitken to centre and Tallis Duncan comes into the back row from the interchange. Fletcher Myers and Lachlan Hubner come into the interchange, Josh Schuster may get a late call up for his Rabbitohs debut.
The Knights have had a very poor start to the season, averaging just over 10 points a game. Jacob Saifiti (prop) and Adam Elliot (interchange) return for the Knights, both having suffered calf injuries. Tyson Frizell will move to lock. Kalyn Ponga will play at this stage and Tyson Gamble will join the Interchange. Former Brisbane student, Dane Gagai will make his NRL 200th appearance after signing for the Knights from Brisbane Boys College.
Last week’s loss at the Warriors, 26-12, once again lacked attacking intent, 16-0 down at half-time. They actually won the second half. Jayden Brailey’s 52 tackles and Greg Marzhew running for 197m were standouts.
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub
The Westpac Catch & Keep
Red Bull and Levels present
Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station
The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course
The Telstra Trophy Zone
The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
If you can’t get to Suncorp, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 9, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is on Saturday, 3 May, at 3:00 p.m.