Sydney Roosters v Souths

Sydney Roosters v Souths

Crunch Sports Staff – 10 Mar 2021

Roosters and Rabbitohs fans are getting ready to fasten their seatbelts for one of the most anticipated clashes between these clubs in recent memory.
The Roosters’ surge to last year’s grand final has brought their supporters out of the woodwork, while the off-season acquisition of Test star Greg Inglis has Rabbitoh fans at fever pitch. Souths’ chances of first-up success were boosted earlier in the week when Todd Carney was declared a non-starter for the Roosters because of a groin injury but despite his loss coach Brian Smith has still managed to select the bulk of last year’s grand final line-up.
Souths looked off the pace during the pre-season and their decision not to have a hit-out on the final weekend of the trials appeared flawed but one positive for them is that they will field a near full-strength line-up.
Only Michael Crocker and Jason Clark have been left out due to injury, meaning that the Rabbitohs will field a forward pack that includes big guns Sam Burgess, Roy Asotasi, Dave Taylor and Issac Luke, while Ben Ross makes his long-awaited return to premiership football from the interchange bench.
The loss of Carney should make for a very even contest but the Roosters deserve slight favouritism and are worth following at the 1-12 margin.
For First Tryscorer look to Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mitch Aubusson and Anthony Minichiello for the Roosters or Rhys Wesser or Nathan Merritt for the Rabbitohs.