Round 15 kicks off with a high-stakes Origin period clash as the Rabbitohs host the Broncos at Accor Stadium. With both sides missing key stars and fighting to stay in finals contention, this matchup shapes as a crucial early test in a tricky split round.

Matchday Details

Thursday, 11 June 2026 – 7:50pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney
📺 Nine Network / Nine Now / Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

South Sydney Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Latrell Siegwalt, 4. Tallis Duncan, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Cody Walker (c), 7. Ashton Ward, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Keaon Koloamatangi, 11. David Fifita, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Lachlan Hubner, 14. Bronson Garlick, 15. Jamie Humphreys, 16. Jayden Sullivan, 17. John Radel, 18. Dayne Jennings, 19. Liam Le Blanc, 20. Matthew Dufty, 21. Moala Graham-Taufa, 22. Salesi Ataata, 23. Jai Arrow

Brisbane Broncos: 1. Hayze Perham, 2. Josiah Karapani, 3. Antonio Verhoeven, 4. Grant Anderson, 5. Jesse Arthars, 6. Thomas Duffy, 7. Adam Reynolds (c), 8. Preston Riki, 9. Cory Paix, 10. Jack Gosiewski, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Xavier Willison, 14. Ben Hunt, 15. Ben Talty, 17. Aublix Tawha, 18. Ezra Mam, 19. Josh Rogers, 20. Phillip Coates, 21. Jaiyden Hunt, 22. Blake Mozer, 23. Luke Gale

Match Preview

The opening game of the second Origin split round sees two sides heading in different directions, with one fighting to stay in the eight and the other running out of time to keep its season alive — although both teams are weakened by Origin commitments.

Cameron Murray, Kotoni Staggs, and Payne Haas have been selected for New South Wales, while Reece Walsh returns for Queensland. It’s a relatively rare scenario where the Broncos have more NSW representatives than Queensland players. Tallis Duncan replaces Campbell Graham, while Lachlan Hubner comes in for Murray. For Brisbane, Hayze Perham, Antonio Verhoeven, and Jordan Riki return, with Jack Gosiewski replacing Haas.

South Sydney (6–6) have shown glimpses of their potential this season, with their ANZAC Day win over Melbourne the standout, but injuries and inconsistency have hurt them. After sitting fourth following Round 10, three straight losses — to the Dolphins, Cowboys, and Sea Eagles — have seen them slip to eighth. They sit level with North Queensland and the Wests Tigers on 16 points, with a +44 points differential keeping them ahead. Jye Gray’s return at fullback was timely, and he looks set to be Souths’ first-choice option moving forward. The Rabbitohs will also benefit from the eventual return of Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton in the coming weeks.
Brisbane’s season (5–8) has been underwhelming. The campaign began with off-field distraction following Haas’ move to South Sydney, followed by a loss in the World Club Challenge to Hull KR. After losing their opening two home games to Penrith and Parramatta, the Broncos steadied with five wins from six matches, before slipping into another losing streak — including home defeats to St George Illawarra (their first win of the season) and the Gold Coast. Injuries have played a major role in their struggles, although key players are gradually returning.

Adam Reynolds continues to be a crucial figure for Brisbane, keeping the side competitive despite ongoing disruption. His experience and game management will be vital if the Broncos are to mount an unlikely push for finals, with at least seven wins likely required from here.
Opposing him is Ashton Ward, who has shown flashes of promise in his 11 appearances for South Sydney. His second-half 40/20 against Manly, which led to a David Fifita try, highlighted his potential, and his goal-kicking accuracy (nine from 11) has also been solid.

Another intriguing aspect of this contest lies in the coaching battle. Wayne Bennett remains a legendary figure at Brisbane, having overseen their golden era between 1992 and 2006, while Michael Maguire guided South Sydney to their 2014 premiership. While Bennett’s legacy is secure, Maguire is facing increasing pressure as Brisbane struggle to defend last year’s title.

The match will also celebrate Jai Arrow, who has featured for both clubs. Brisbane will honour him by wearing jerseys with his name and Broncos number, which will later be auctioned, while Arrow — named in the Rabbitohs’ squad — is set to ring the Rabbitohs’ Legacy Bell.
Brisbane holds a 34–17 head-to-head advantage. The teams split their meetings last season, with Brisbane winning 60–14 at Suncorp Stadium and South Sydney responding with a 22–14 victory at Accor Stadium.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Rabbitohs by 2
Full Round 15 tips → /nrl-round-15-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Jye Gray to provide two try assists in a close Souths win.

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Andrew Pelechaty
Web Content Editor for Rugby League Zone.

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