Two top-eight contenders meet at Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a clash that could have major implications for the finals race. South Sydney are fighting to protect their place in the top four with the Dolphins and Sharks breathing down their necks, while Newcastle are desperate to cement their top-eight position with the Cowboys and Bulldogs in pursuit.

The match also coincides with the World’s Biggest Birthday Party fundraiser, celebrating Jai Arrow’s 31st birthday and raising funds for the Stand With Jai campaign. With the Rabbitohs faithful expected to turn out in force, a bumper regular-season crowd is on the cards.

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Matchday Details

Sunday, 12 July 2026 – 2:00pm AEST – Accor Stadium, Sydney
📺 Foxtel / Kayo
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy

Rabbitohs: 1. Matthew Dufty, 2. Dayne Jennings, 3. Tallis Duncan, 4. Jack Wighton, 5. Campbell Graham, 6. Jayden Sullivan, 7. Ashton Ward, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Keaon Koloamatangi, 11. David Fifita, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Cameron Murray (c), 14. Lachlan Hubner, 15. Jamie Humphreys, 16. John Radel, 17. Liam Le Blanc, 18. Jye Gray, 19. Latrell Siegwalt, 20. Edward Kosi, 21. Thomas Fletcher, 22. Peter Mamouzelos

Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga (c), 2. Dominic Young, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. Fletcher Sharpe, 7. Dylan Brown, 8. Cody Hopwood, 9. Phoenix Crossland, 10. Trey Mooney, 11. Dylan Lucas, 12. Jermaine McEwen, 13. Mat Croker, 14. Sandon Smith, 15. Tyson Frizell, 16. Lachlan Crouch, 17. Thomas Cant, 18. Harrison Graham, 19. Fletcher Hunt, 20. Francis Manuleleua, 21. Tyson Gamble, 22. Kyle McCarthy

Match Preview

Both sides were in action during the Origin-affected Round 18 and arrive with plenty to play for as the run to September intensifies.

South Sydney let a golden opportunity slip away last weekend against Penrith. With Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin unavailable on Origin duty, the Rabbitohs were fancied to knock off the Panthers. Instead, Dylan Edwards produced a starring display as Penrith snapped a two-game losing streak with a convincing 36-14 victory. Prior to that defeat, South Sydney had built some momentum with back-to-back wins, highlighted by an emotional 48-6 dismantling of the Broncos as the club paid tribute to Jai Arrow following his recent MND diagnosis. However, the Rabbitohs have won just two of five matches since Latrell Mitchell’s injury.

Newcastle, meanwhile, continued their charge towards September with one of the upsets of the season. The Knights stunned the Dolphins 13-12 last weekend, a result that could prove crucial given a daunting upcoming schedule that includes clashes with the Sharks and Roosters over the next fortnight.

The Rabbitohs will be without veteran playmaker Cody Walker after he was suspended for one match following an incident involving Jack Cogger against the Panthers. Jye Gray has been dropped, with experienced campaigner Matt Dufty returning at fullback. South Sydney do receive a significant boost through the returns of representative stars Cameron Murray and Campbell Graham.

The Knights also welcome back key reinforcements. Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best are expected to back up from Wednesday night’s Origin decider, while forward Trey Mooney returns after missing last week’s win over the Dolphins with a calf complaint. Fletcher Sharpe shifts back into the halves alongside Sandon Smith.

The corresponding fixture earlier this season produced one of the games of the year, with Newcastle prevailing 42-38 in an 80-point thriller at McDonald Jones Stadium. Both sides crossed for seven tries, while Latrell Mitchell inspired a remarkable second-half fightback as the Rabbitohs recovered from an 18-point halftime deficit to briefly take the lead before the Knights snatched victory late.

This contest could easily develop into another high-scoring affair, although Newcastle’s defensive improvement suggests otherwise. The Knights have conceded just 18 points across their last two matches and appear far more settled across the park than they were earlier in the season. Their outside backs loom as a major threat, particularly with Bradman Best returning and competition-leading try-scorer Greg Marzhew targeting the Rabbitohs’ edges.

South Sydney may hold an advantage through the middle third. Cameron Murray’s return is enormous, while Brandon Smith and David Fifita bring the power and aggression needed to challenge Newcastle’s forward pack. If the Rabbitohs can generate quick ruck speed and dominate field position, they have the weapons to trouble the Knights.

However, the absence of Cody Walker cannot be understated. His experience, game management and creativity have been central to South Sydney’s attack for years. In his place, the relatively inexperienced pairing of Ashton Ward and Jayden Sullivan will shoulder significant responsibility against a Newcastle side growing in confidence each week. How those two handle the pressure may ultimately decide the outcome.

History favours Newcastle, who have won 31 of the 50 meetings between the clubs.

Nine of those clashes have been played at Accor Stadium, with South Sydney holding a 6-3 advantage at the venue. However, the Knights emerged victorious in the most recent meeting there, defeating the Rabbitohs 36-16 in August 2024.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Knights by 6
Full Round 19 tips → /nrl-round-19-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Bradman Best carries his Origin form back to club level and delivers a match-winning performance for Newcastle.

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Matt Pritchard
Penrith Panthers Member 13120.

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