With the regular season at the sharp end, jostling for finals positions hangs over both sides in today’s top eight encounter at Accor Stadium.<\/p>\n
The One New Zealand Warriors go into the match third on 36 points (with the Dolphins), two behind Penrith and the Roosters.<\/p>\n
And South Sydney is seventh on 30 points with eighth-placed North Queensland behind Cronulla Sutherland and Newcastle (both on 32).<\/p>\n
The Rabbitohs made a statement with a comprehensive victory over the Bulldogs last Friday, finding form following the recent return of their big guns, with David Fifita and Cameron Murray making an instant impact in the past couple of weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Wahs army will be out in force at Accor Stadium as Andrew Webster’s men continue their chase for a possible top-two finish, which would secure a home final in the opening week of the post-season.<\/p>\n
Team news<\/p>\n
Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell will target a round 26 return against the Titans after his comeback was put on hold this week. The Bunnies are set to line up as named on Tuesday with Euan Aitken promoted to the starting side in place of Adam Elliott (adductor). Thomas Fletcher remained in the squad as the reserve when it was trimmed on Friday.<\/p>\n
One New Zealand Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki is back in the starting side at fullback with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad serving a two-game suspension for a hip drop tackle on Reece Walsh. With Luke Metcalf (hamstring) sidelined, Chanel Harris-Tavita moves to halfback and Luke Hanson is the new standoff in his second NRL match after debuting in round three. The new man on the bench is Morgan Gannon while Jett Cleary remained in the 20-man squad on Friday after the 24-hour update.<\/p>\n
Stat attack<\/p>\n
The Rabbitohs have won their last eight games at Accor Stadium.
\nThe Warriors have won three of their last four games against the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium.
\nThe Rabbitohs have scored at least 28 points in nine of their last 10 games against the Warriors.
\nWarriors coach Andrew Webster will take charge of his 100th NRL game as coach.
\nRabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 18 tries in his last 12 games at Accor Stadium.<\/p>\n