NRL Round 8 Preview - Rabbitohs v Broncos @ ANZ Stadium

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Brisbane Broncos @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Rabbitohs are shooting for three victories on the bounce as they host the 3-4 Broncos at ANZ Stadium tonight. The Rabbitohs have surged into the Top 8, after two commanding victories over the Roosters and Raiders, to propel them inside the Top 8 after seven rounds. Whilst Souths triumphed 42-18 in Gosford last week, the Broncos went down once again to the Storm 30-20 at Suncorp Stadium, despite putting up a competitive performance.
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The Rabbitohs are missing Sam Burgess once again who has been suspended for two weeks for his reckless high shot on Aidan Sezer. They do receive a boost with Cameron Murray returning from a hamstring strain to replace Burgess at lock. Adam Doueihi is recalled on the bench in place of Hymel Hunt. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos have also lost a senior player with hooker Andrew McCullough out for an extended period with an arm injury. Josh McGuire starts at hooker, with Tevita Pangai Jnr moving to starting lock, and Sam Tagataese coming onto the bench. Jaydn Su'A starts in the back row for Korbin Sims who reverts to the bench while halves Jack Bird and Anthony Milford swap the Numbers 6 and 7 on their backs.
 
Verdict - Souths by 1-8 in a high scoring game

I like the Rabbitohs to keep the roll going, despite not having Sam Burgess. I think this side is not only playing with plenty of energy and confidence, but there is a high degree of quality about this Souths’ team this season. The Broncos always make you work for a victory over time, so I can see this being tight throughout. However the loss of Andrew McCullough is a really big one for them to overcome.  Whilst the Broncos have shown some good signs the past couple weeks, I don’t think their attack has as many in-form players as the Rabbitohs and, on the road on a Thursday night, will be a tough environment to grind out a victory.