NRL Round 3 Preview and Prediction - Newcastle Knights v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ McDonald Jones Stadium

 Newcastle Knights v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ McDonald Jones Stadium
 
Preview - After breaking through for a first victory in 336 days, the Knights will be going for back-to-back triumphs when they meet the Rabbitohs on Sunday afternoon in Newcastle. The Knights finally got a reward for their improved competitiveness and energy over the back half of 2016, and at the start of 2017, with a 34-26 win over the Titans which was a thrill a minute type game. I'm sure Nathan Brown would be thrilled to date with the energy and added resolve his young side are playing with early in 2017. The Rabbitohs made people stand up and take notice last week, that they are not going to lay down and die without Greg Inglis in 2017, with a fantastic 38-18 victory over the Sea Eagles. The early return of Adam Reynolds with the running game of Cody Walker combined as Souths scored some outstanding tries and showed the new flair they might be going to play with in 2017 under Michael Maguire. 

History - The Rabbitohs are enjoying a wonderful run against the Knights, having won their last 7 straight including dishing out two thumping defeats over them last season. However, despite winning their last two in Newcastle, Souths have a shocking overall record in Newcastle having won just 4 from 20 overall. 

Newcastle Knights Scouting Report - Newcastle Knights Coach Nathan Brown has unsurprisingly stuck with the same 17 that delivered the Club's first win in close to a year against the Titans. Back in front of their home fans on another Saturday afternoon, the Knights will be desperate to make it back-to-back wins, which will help the Club get big crowds back through the gates in one of the game's heartlands. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs' Scouting Report - The Rabbitohs have also named an unchanged 17 from the side that overwhelmed Manly last weekend. Hooker Robbie Farah looks to have a new lease of life at the Rabbitohs and will be out for another big game in his 250th NRL game. There is still no room in the 17 for Tom Burgess who will spend another week in Reserve Grade. 

Verdict - Souths by a try in an open and high scoring game

I'm going for Souths here, with Adam Reynolds back and based on what they did last week against Manly. This side looked really comfortable last week with Alex Johnson at the back and with Cody Walker focusing on his running game with Reynolds back in charge. I think Souths have the potential to cause the brittle Knights' defence some problems with their ball movement and increased speed in their side. I think this game will be another high scoring affair in Newcastle where attack will get on top defence. I expect, once again, the Knights to go try for try with Souths for most of the game. However, I just think Souths have a bit too much class here and will pull away in the final quarter of this game.