The Rabbitohs will face the Dragons in a blockbuster finals clash.
SOUTH Sydney fell just short against Melbourne Storm in week one of the NRL finals and now face a fired up Dragons squad riding high after their demolition of Brisbane. Will injuries decide this one?
Rabbitohs
The additional two day’s rest South Sydney have over St George Illawarra will be invaluable. Both were involved in grueling week one finals encounters, and they’ll both have taken a toll. The Rabbitohs will start as red-hot favourites, and as we’re so often told, finals are a different ball game. The men from Redfern are ticking most boxes, so avoiding complacency against an understrength Dragons outfit will be crucial. Through no lack of effort, Sam Burgess produced one of the most dismal performances of his career against Melbourne last week. While it doesn’t take much, he’ll be particularly fired up and can be the key man to laying a platform for Damien Cook to weave his magic.
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Dragons
Led by a relentless display from back-rower Tariq Sims, St George Illawarra produced the form against Brisbane that many thought they’d left behind months ago. The Dragons have the forward pack to gain ascendancy over South Sydney, but anything less than their absolute pinnacle could bring an end to the Red V’s campaign. If they even drop off slightly, the Rabbitohs will run riot across the paddock. The loss of Gareth Widdop hurts, his absence hits hardest to his rejuvenated halves partner Ben Hunt who was sensational at Suncorp. If Hunt can transfer his renewed confidence onto ANZ Stadium – providing his middle men lift to give him the opportunity – the Dragons can rattle their more fancied opponents.
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