Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
South Sydney Rabbitohs are taking on the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium in a key NRL clash, with Cody Walker leading a reshuffled home side against a Sharks outfit spearheaded by Nicho Hynes. The match is significant as South Sydney look to steady their season amid several lineup changes, while Cronulla arrive in strong form and aiming to build momentum in the top half of the ladder.
The Rabbitohs have made multiple adjustments to their starting side, with key positional switches across the spine and outside backs. Cronulla, meanwhile, have named a settled lineup featuring a powerful forward pack and an experienced halves pairing.
Rabbitohs reshuffle key positions
South Sydney line up with Jye Gray at fullback, supported by a reshuffled backline that includes Alex Johnston on one wing and Latrell Siegwalt in the centres. Campbell Graham and Edward Kosi complete the outside backs.
Cody Walker again directs the side from five eighth alongside Ashton Ward in the halves, with Souths relying on their combination play to control possession and territory.
In the forwards, Cameron Murray leads from lock, joined by Keaon Koloamatangi and Sean Keppie in the starting pack. Bronson Garlick takes the role at hooker, while Euan Aitken and Tallis Duncan start in the second row.
The bench includes Matthew Dufty, Lachlan Hubner, Tevita Tatola, and Peter Mamouzelos, offering versatility across both the middle and edge positions.
Sharks bring settled spine and forward power
Cronulla enter the contest with a more established lineup. William Kennedy starts at fullback, with Mawene Hiroti, Siosifa Talakai, KL Iro, and Samuel Stonestreet forming the backline.
The Sharks halves pairing features Braydon Trindall alongside Nicho Hynes, who remains central to their attacking structure and kicking game.
Up front, Addin Fonua Blake leads a strong pack that also includes Blayke Brailey at hooker and Toby Rudolf in the front row.
Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton start in the second row, with Cameron McInnes at lock providing leadership and defensive organisation.
The bench includes Jesse Colquhoun, Billy Burns, Oregon Kaufusi, Thomas Hazelton, Hohepa Puru, and Riley Jones, giving Cronulla depth in both power and mobility.
Key match factors
South Sydney’s performance will likely hinge on how effectively Walker and Ward control the middle stages of the game and how well the reshuffled backline handles Cronulla’s structured defensive line.
Cronulla will look to use their forward pack to gain early dominance through Addin Fonua Blake and Cameron McInnes, setting up field position for Hynes and Trindall to attack.
The Sharks’ edge runners, particularly Briton Nikora, are expected to play a significant role in testing South Sydney’s defensive edges.
Context heading into the clash
South Sydney enter the match under pressure to deliver consistency after a mixed run of results and ongoing changes to their lineup structure. The introduction of multiple players into new roles adds an additional layer of challenge.
Cronulla arrive with growing confidence and a settled system, with their spine combinations offering stability in key attacking areas.
Both teams will see this fixture as an important benchmark in the context of their broader NRL campaigns.