VENUE & TIME: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sunday, May 16, 2:00pm (AEST)
COVERAGE: Fox Sports
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 14 - Tigers 8, Rabbitohs 6
LAST TIME: Round 17, 2009 - Tigers 54-20

WALKING WOUNDED: The Tigers have lost Keith Galloway for at least two weeks after the red-headed prop had surgery on his hand on Wednesday. With Origin just around the corner it's shocking luck for Galloway, who has succumbed to injury during the rep period for the second year in a row. He joins Jason Cayless, Taniela Tuiaki, Tame Tupou and Tim Moltzen on the sidelines. Junior Moors is likely to take 'Big Red's' spot in coach Tim Sheens' 17.

The Tigers halfback spot has been a problem area for the club this season but talented youngster Robert Lui returns from an ankle problem in the No.7 jersey. Roy Asotasi might be 6ft and weigh over 100kg but the South Sydney skipper has been one of the forgotten man at Redfern this season. With big boppers David Taylor and Sam Burgess getting most of the attention and a knee injury keeping him on the sidelines, Asotasi has rarely rated a mention. He's back for this clash and he rarely stays quiet for long which should prove a headache for the Tigers' forwards.

FORM: Both teams had the bye last weekend and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Tigers have lost three games on the trot while the Rabbitohs have won just once during that same period. The Tigers haven't been heavily beaten in any of those matches which proves they aren't far off getting a win. Seasons are defined by being able to grind out results in close matches and unless they are able to start doing that then another season without finals football beckons for Tim Sheens' side. After a three-game winning streak early in the season the Rabbitohs have been disappointing. They have made a habit in recent games of falling behind early in matches before coming good in the second half.

WHO'S HOT: He's not even halfway into his three-year contract and the Tigers have extended the deal for Englishman Gareth Ellis and it's easy to see why. The hard-running backrower not only gives the Tigers great thrust on the left-side but has added much-needed steel to their defence. Expect another tireless performance against compatriot Sam Burgess. It's the names and size of the Rabbitohs forward pack that might get most of the attention but centre Beau Champion has been the star of the backline. The former Australian Schoolboys representative has scored nine tries in just eight matches this season. He gained his first rep jersey for City Origin last week and his battle with Chris Lawrence will be a highlight.

WE THINK: With a record of four wins and four losses, Tigers coach Tim Sheens has labelled this a season-defining game for his side. Win and keep in touch with the top eight, lose and it makes their finals chances that much harder. What the Rabbitohs are going to produce is harder to predict than next week's lotto numbers. When they are hot they are a devastating prospect but can resemble a park footy side if they aren't on their game. The last time the two sides met at the SCG it took a last-minute Nathan Merritt field goal to clinch a thrilling win for the Rabbitohs. It should be just as close this time.

TEAMS:

Wests Tigers: Beau Ryan, Daniel Fitzhenry, Chris Lawrence, Blake Ayshford, Lote Tuqiri, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah [c], Keith Galloway, Todd Payten, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange: Andrew Fifita, Liam Fulton, Mark Flanagan, Mitch Brown, Junior Moors.

South Sydney Rabbitohs: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Colin Best, Beau Champion, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Luke Stuart, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi [c], Sam Burgess, David Taylor, Ben Lowe. Interchange: Scott Geddes, Shannan McPherson, Eddy Pettybourne, Jason Clark.