More than 50,000 are expected to walk through the gates of Accor Stadium for the annual Good Friday blockbuster between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs.
MATCH CENTRE: Bulldogs v Rabbitohs, score, stats, live blog
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Both teams enter the clash with two wins and a loss. Souths come off a bye while the Dogs will be keen to bounce back following a shock loss to the Knights.
Much has been made this week about the Bulldogs halves. Last weekend, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo pulled a stunning midgame switch, moving Stephen Crichton to five-eighth and pushing Matt Burton to centre while half Sean O’Sullivan was utilised off the bench.
Despite this, Ciraldo has again named Burton and Lachlan Galvin at six and seven respectively.
Former Souths and Roosters star Luke Keary said the switch against Newcastle would’ve a “tough pill” for Burton to swallow.
“He’s trained the whole pre-season at six. He obviously thinks he’s a six but when you get that call to play centre, it can rob you of your confidence,” Keary said on Late Show with Matty Johns.
On Galvin, Keary said he isn’t too blame for the Dogs’ anaemic attack this season (15ppg) but admits the young gun needs to think quality over quantity when it comes to his touches.
Keary also believes Galvin would be better suited playing next to a natural half.
“The stuff I’m watching with Galvin, he’s playing well but I see that he’s averaging about 79 touches a game. Nathan Cleary is averaging about 60,” Keary said.
“That’s too many for Galvin. You lose your effect. He is running a lot of plays but not a lot of great plays but I like how he’s started.
“He takes on the defence, he’s always over the advantage line. I feel like he needs someone there with him to steer the ship though.
“I think they are nearly a better team with Burton at centre.”
TEAMS
Souths team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jayden Sullivan 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 21. Thomas Fletcher
Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Bronson Xerri 20. Lipoi Hopoi 21. Jake Turpin 22. Logan Spinks
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