The Rabbitohs are sitting pretty in third position and will fancy their chances of taking down last year’s minor premiers in the opening game of Saturday’s double-header at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

With the Perth Bears joining the NRL in 2027 this trip west takes on added significance as the Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sharks and Roosters showcase their skills at one of the country’s finest stadiums.

Wayne Bennett’s men are riding high after taking down the Bulldogs on Good Friday and with their big guns firing they look to be well on course for a first finals appearance since 2022.

The Raiders have lost four straight since a golden point win over the Sea Eagles in Round 1 and will look to Joe Tapine, Hudson Young and Josh Papalii to lay the platform for a morale-boosting win to put their season back on track.

Team News

Rabbitohs: The Bunnies head to Perth bolstered by the return of Kiwi hooker Brandon Smith from a calf injury suffered in the Pre-Season Challenge. Bronson Garlick moves to the interchange alongside Peter Mamouzelos, Lachlan Hubner and Sean Keppie, the three bench players who saw game time against the Bulldogs as Wayne Bennett used just 16 players.

Raiders: After three games in NSW Cup, Jed Stuart is set for his first NRL action of the season, taking over from Xavier Savage (leg). Changes on the extended bench with Joe Roddy and Daine Laurie taking over from Chevy Stewart and Matt Timoko.

Stat Attack

The Rabbitohs have lost their last five games in Perth. 
The Raiders have won six of their last seven games against the Rabbitohs.
Alex Johnston (five) and Latrell Mitchell (five) have scored over half of the Rabbitohs’ 19 tries.
The Raiders have won five from five in Perth but have not played in the west since 1997.
The Rabbitohs are aiming for a 4-1 start to the season for the fourth time in five years under coach Wayne Bennett.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.