Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler are tipping the Rabbitohs‘ resurgence to continue on Friday night, with the Broncos in freefall and at risk of falling out of the eight.
Latrell Mitchell’s return to the side has given the club a surge in confidence and has coincided with big wins against the Eels and the Titans, while Brisbane have slumped in recent weeks, losing to an understrength Sharks at home after coughing up a lead to the lowly Titans two weeks earlier, also at home. That result came after a one point win over Manly in Magic Round, almost a month ago, which was the last time Kevin Walters’ team tasted success.
The Broncos have not had to travel since a win against the Eels in round 10 and face a huge challenge to overcome Souths at Accor Stadium.
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“I really like the Rabbits for this one,” Johns told Fittler on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth’s Tips.
The Broncos will travel to Sydney without Reece Walsh, who continues to sit on the sidelines after a shocking hit from Joseph Suaalii knocked him out of State of Origin I in the early stages of the first half. Adam Reynolds has been out since early May after rupturing his biceps, with Jock Madden struggling to find consistency in his absence.
While Walters currently has an unsettled spine, his powerful forward pack is at near full strength, with Origin stars Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan anchoring a unit that also includes lethal ball runners Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki.
Yet the return of Cameron Murray off the bench gives Johns and Fittler confidence that the Rabbitohs can handle the onslaught in the middle and outclass the visitors in the playmaking positions.
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“Looks a strong forward pack, Latrell in a mood, Cam Murray back on the bench, Jai Arrow’s back from injury…” Johns said.
“You know what?,” replied Fittler, “the important positions are covered. You’ve got fullback Latrell, you’ve got Jack (Wighton) and Cody (Walker) in the halves, Cooky (Damien Cook) at dummy-half, and Cameron Murray coming off the bench.”
Johns has also spoken this week about the Origin factor for the Rabbitohs, pleading with Michael Maguire to pick Mitchell if he again plays well against the Broncos, while also making a case for Walker to win selection after his man of the match performance in the Blues’ Origin III win last year.
Scroll below for the current leaderboard and Round 15 tips by all Nine’s expert tipsters!
Andrew Johns: Sharks, Raiders, Rabbitohs, Titans, Warriors, Eels, Sea Eagles, Knights
Brad Fittler: Sharks, Raiders, Rabbitohs, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Darren Lockyer: Sharks, Raiders, Broncos, Titans, Storm, Eels, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Allana Ferguson: Sharks, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Paul Gallen: Sharks, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Wally Lewis: Sharks, Raiders, Broncos, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Mat Thompson: Sharks, Cowboys, Broncos, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Peter Psaltis: Sharks, Raiders, Broncos, Titans, Storm, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
The Mole: Sharks, Raiders, Broncos, Titans, Storm, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers
Ben Glover: Sharks, Raiders, Broncos, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Panthers