Match Preview: NRL Round 11 vs Rabbitohs

The home crowd are set to don their junior league jerseys and cheer on the black, white and orange, as they take on a Rabbitohs side buoyed by a thrilling 22–14 comeback win over Brisbane last weekend.

Both clubs sit in the mid‑table mix and are looking to gain some momentum as the season heats up.

A home win for the Tigers would ignite their finals push and reward the sea of junior league jerseys in the stands. For the Rabbitohs, an away victory also keeps their finals ambitions on track.

In Wests Tigers team news, Fonua Pole (knee) is ruled out, with Royce Hunt to start at prop in his place. Starford To’a makes his injury comeback at centre, shifting Charlie Staines to the wing and moving Brent Naden to the interchange bench. Jack Bird returns to the bench, with Tallyn Da Silva named as a reserve.

Key Matchups:

Jahream Bula v Latrell Mitchell: Expect plenty of fireworks as Bula looks to slice open the Rabbitohs’ defence, while the Rabbitohs’ superstar fullback attempts to counter with his own game-breaking ability.

Terrell May v Keaon Koloamatangi: Two representative-class middle forwards meet head-to-head in what is set to be an epic encounter.

Sunia Turuva v Alex Johnston: Turuva has scored 10 tries this season, while Johnston has amassed 11 tries in his past 6 outings against the Tigers.

Wests Tigers’ last match against the Rabbitohs was a thrilling 18-16 win at Campbelltown last season.

Fast Facts:

• Wests Tigers have won only two of their last 15 games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
• The Rabbitohs have won eight of their past 10 games against the Tigers.
• Tigers winger Charlie Staines has scored five tries in five games at Campbelltown.
• Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 11 tries in his last six games against the Tigers.
• Brent Naden has scored four tries in five games against the Rabbitohs.

Stats supplied by NRL historian/statistician David Middleton.