NRL Round 6 Preview - Roosters v Rabbitohs @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - The Roosters host the Rabbitohs in an explosive Sydney derby on Thursday night at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters put in perhaps their most commanding performance of the season by brushing aside the Sharks 28-10 at Shark Park last Friday night to get to 3-2 on the season. The Rabbitohs were brave in defeat against the Dragons at Jubilee Stadium, going down 16-12 after a late surge in the final 10 minutes saw them threaten to steal victory. 
 
Sydney Roosters Scouting Report - The Roosters are unchanged, but Joseph Manu (corked bicep) must prove his fitness later in the week. The Roosters’ forward pack had their best game of the season last week and will be keen to try and take it to their bitter rivals up the middle. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - Richie Kennar returns from injury to the side on the wing, pushing Dane Gagai to centre and Hymel Hunt out of the 17. Rising young forward Cameron Murray has been named despite struggling through training on Tuesday.
 
Verdict - Roosters by 1-6 in a closer game then expected  
 
I like the way Souths are competing at the moment, but I'm not sure without Sam Burgess they  they can contain all the weapons the Roosters have. The Roosters’ forwards responded to intense criticism last week with an impressive display against the Sharks, so if they can match Souths in the middle of the field they should have their measure. I think Souths will thrive on having the underdog tag in this game and make it a lot closer then people expected. I was really impressed by their effort tin a physical game last week at Kogarah which is a difficult venue to go to. Souths were great last week, however it was an extremely physical game and, without Sam Burgess for the second week running, they will need to dig deep once again. Roosters to squeeze home but by a try or less.