The Raiders are desperate to keep their top-eight chances alive when they host the in-form Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ricky Stuart’s men returned to form in a big way last week with a dominant 40-16 win over the Bulldogs to remain in touching distance of the eight with\u00a0eight\u00a0rounds to play.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Raiders must keep the momentum rolling on Saturday as they look to mount a late charge to the finals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wins against teams above them on the ladder are vital in the cause and this week’s clash with South Sydney is another chance to close the gap on their rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Rabbitohs held off a fast-finishing Knights to claim a two-point win on Jai Arrow’s birthday last Sunday. The win helped Wayne Bennett’s side maintain their place in the top eight, but they remain just two points clear of the ninth-placed Sea Eagles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
South Sydney have been bolstered by the recent return of Jack Wighton while Cody Walker is set to return from suspension on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Raiders: Raiders: Origin duo Ethan Strange and Hudson Young return to the starting side so Daine Laurie and Ata Mariota head back to the bench. Seb Kris will miss one more week with a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for Round 21. Winger Savelio Tamale earns a recall on the bench after a week in NSW Cup to regain his confidence after a tough day under the high ball against the Dragons in Round 17.<\/p>\n
Rabbitohs: Record-breaking winger Alex Johnston has been named to make his return from a calf injury and replaces Dayne Jennings, who suffered a nasty gash in last week\u2019s win over Newcastle. Euan Aitken failed to finish the match due to illness but has been listed to start in the back row. Cody Walker is straight back into the halves in his return from suspension, replacing Jayden Sullivan, who suffered a head knock last Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Raiders have won their last five games against the Rabbitohs.
\nThe Rabbitohs have lost four of their last five away games.
\nRaiders winger Xavier Savage has scored 10 tries in his last 12 games at GIO Stadium
\nRabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored seven tries in his last six games against the Raiders.
\nRaiders hooker Tom Starling will play his 100th game for the club.<\/p>\n
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,\u00a0author of the\u00a0official annual of the NRL.<\/a><\/p>\n