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2018 NRL – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs New Zealand Warriors Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Saturday 10th March, 08:00 (UK)

Where? Perth Stadium

What channel is it on? South Sydney Rabbitohs v New Zealand Warriors will not be televised live in the UK

Where can I stream the match?

https://www.foxtel.com.au/outa...

https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-...

Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au...

THE LOWDOWN

RABBITOHS

Head Coach: Anthony Seibold

Starting 13: Johnston, Kennar, Gagai, Inglis, Jennings, Walker, Reynolds, T. Burgess, Cook, Nicholls, Sutton, Crichton, S. Burgess – Interchanges (from): Murray, G. Burgess, Tatola, Clark, Hunt, Doueihi

Unavailable:

  • South Sydney Rabbitohs have turned to a new head coach to change their fortunes after a disappointing year under Michael McGuire. Queensland assistant coach Anthony Seibold takes over in his first NRL head coach role.
  • Seibold has implemented new techniques at the Rabbitohs during the off-season and will be hoping his methods are picked up quickly by his players. One big boost for Seibold is the return of superstar Greg Inglis who picked up an ACL injury in round one of last season and missed the entire year.
  • Souths have plenty to improve upon after they struggled on both sides of the ball last season, conceding 23.5 points per game whilst scoring just 19.1 points per game.

WARRIORS

Head Coach: Stephen Kearney

Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitua, Hiku, Kata, Maumalo, Green, Johnson, Gavet, Luke, Blair, Papali'i, Harris, Sao – Interchanges (from): Cook, Pulu, Lisone, Afoa, Tevaga, Gelling

Unavailable: Simon Mannering, Nathaniel Roache, Agnatius Paasi, Gerard Beale

  • After a disappointing season in which New Zealand Warriors once again underperformed, head coach Stephen Kearney needs a quick start to stave off concerns over whether he is the right man for the job.
  • The Warriors were busy in the off-season, adding Kiwi internationals Tohu Harris and Adam Blair whilst halfback Blake Green joins from Manly. However, they lost the likes of Kieran Foran, Ryan Hoffman and Ben Matulino.
  • With a spine to match the best in the NRL, Green’s arrival could be key as he adds some much needed composure to add to off-the-cuff nature of Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck with Isaac Luke also hoping to rediscover his best form.

THE PREDICTION

Two of last season’s underperformers meet in the first of a double header at Perth Stadium. South Sydney took the decision to change their coach in order to seek improvement this season whilst the Warriors stood by theirs. Both sides have the talent to challenge but will need to find some consistency and with Souths adding Dane Gagai to an already exciting backline that will also boast the return of Greg Inglis, they can get off to a positive start here.

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