Matchday Details
Friday, 13 March 2026 – 8:00pm AEDT – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
📺 Nine Network / Nine Now / Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Adam Gee | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco (c), 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Benaiah Ioelu, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Siua Wong, 13. Egan Butcher, 14. Connor Watson, 15. Blake Steep, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Salesi Foketi, 18. Cody Ramsey, 19. Fetalaiga Pauga, 20. Toby Rodwell, 21. Tom Rodwell, 22. Taylor Losalu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Jye Gray, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Jack Wighton, 5. Campbell Graham, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Jayden Sullivan, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Bronson Garlick, 10. Keaon Koloamatangi, 11. David Fifita, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Cameron Murray (c), 14. Peter Mamouzelos, 15. Tallis Duncan, 16. Lachlan Hubner, 17. Sean Keppie, 18. Latrell Siegwalt, 19. Moala Graham-Taufa, 20. Liam Le Blanc, 21. Thomas Fletcher, 22. Salesi Ataata
Match Preview
Australian rugby league’s oldest rivalry kicks off again with a huge Friday night clash at Allianz Stadium.
The highly fancied Sydney Roosters are coming off the back of a poor performance in Auckland, while the South Sydney Rabbitohs started their season off positively with an away victory over the Dolphins.
There’s plenty at stake despite it being only the second round, with player milestones and records to watch out for on Friday night.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has made a couple of changes to the side that lost to the Warriors. Reigning Rookie of the Year Robert Toia returning to the side from injury at right centre, pushing Fetalaiga Pauga to the bench. Siua Wong and Egan Butcher have both been named to start in the back row, with Nat Butcher and Blake Steep dropping to the bench. Salesi Foketi will also start from the bench, while Spencer Leniu sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.
Wayne Bennett has been forced into one change for the Rabbitohs, with Ashton Ward ruled out with a syndesmosis injury and Jayden Sullivan starting at halfback in his place. Latrell Siegwalt is the new player on the bench.
It will be a big night for the Roosters, not only their first home game of the season in front of 35,000+ fans but will also mark the 200th first grade game for popular back rower Angus Crichton. Crichton debuted for South Sydney in 2016, playing 55 games for the Rabbitohs before joining the Roosters in 2019.
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston is now just one away from equalling Ken Irvine’s tryscoring record. Given the history between the two clubs, Souths will secretly be hoping the record-breaking moment happens against the old enemy for the benefit of highlights reels for years to come.
The return of Robert Toia will make for an interesting battle on the Roosters right edge. Toia outplayed Latrell Mitchell in last year’s State of Origin series despite the gulf in experience between the two and will be important for the home team’s hopes in shutting down Mitchell and Johnston.
Recent history favours the Roosters, who have won five of the past six meetings and scored at least five tries in each of those wins. They are undefeated in four regular season games against the Rabbitohs at the new Allianz Stadium.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Roosters by 6
Bold call: Alex Johnston to equal – but not surpass – Ken Irvine’s record
Related
- NRL Round 2 2026 Predictions & Tips
- NRL Round 2 Team Lists – 2026 Season
- NRL 2026 Results Tracker
- 2026 NRL Match Review Results Tracker: Charges, Suspensions & Fines
