NRL Round 16 Preview - Rabbitohs v Cowboys @ Barlow Park

South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys @ Barlow Park
 
Preview - The Rabbitohs will be looking to keep their winning streak going when they take a home game to Cairns to take on the struggling Cowboys. The Rabbitohs have now stormed into 3rd place courtesy of a sixth straight win, after dismantling the Eels 42-24 as they flexed their attacking muscles once again scoring a number of brilliantly executed tries. The Cowboys season from hell continues, mostly unabated, losing 23-16 to the Warriors, to slump to an 11th loss to all but end their very faint finals hopes in 2018. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - South Sydney Coach Anthony Seibold has named all their Rep players to back up, including the three Burgess brothers who played in Denver. Campbell Graham replaces Hymel Hunt on the wing in their only change from the side that belted Parramatta.
 
North Queensland Cowboys’ Scouting Report - Lachlan Coote is recalled at fullback for Michael Morgan who is out for the season with a bicep injury. Antonio Winterstein is recalled on the wing for Javid Bowen, whilst veteran prop Matt Scott returns at prop with Sam Hoare out of the squad.
 
Verdict - Souths by 6-14

Little bit of a trap game with Souths having players on the back up from Origin and due for a loss, however the Cowboys look for me like a side without enough strike power across the park to worry the Rabbitohs. Souths, at their best, have far too much speed and power against an ageing Cowboys’ side that, whilst they give their all, have failed to fire on any fronts this year. Won’t expect this to be a walkover by any means, but it’s hard to see Souths losing, given they have a real chance to push for a Minor Premiership given their draw over the next month.