The winless Rabbitohs are desperate for a victory and head into this clash against the Roosters as underdogs after controversially axing halfback Lachlan Illias during the week.
Souths needed to beat their arch rivals in the final round last year to make the finals, but this feels like an even bigger game for Jason Demetriou.
The under-pressure coach dropped Ilias just two games into the season for Dean Hawkins, and he’s also relegated veteran hooker Damien Cook to the bench.
MATCH CENTRE: Roosters v Rabbitohs, teams, stats, video, highlights
The Roosters opened their season with an impressive win over the Broncos before a scratchy loss to the Sea Eagles last week.
Trent Robinson’s side are without five-eighth Luke Keary (head knock) and young gun Sandon Smith has been named in the halves.
Angus Crichton and Connor Watson join the bench after big performances in the NSW Cup with the former playing his 100th game for the club.
It’s an even bigger milestone match for Roosters veteran forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who will play his 300th NRL game.
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