Rugbyleaguelive.com | 30/07/09 |

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS
Sunday 2nd August, 3.00pm
ANZ Stadium
Referees: Gavin Badger, Ashley Klein

HEAD TO HEAD
Bulldogs 71 wins, Rabbitohs 62 wins, 4 draws

FORM GUIDE
Rabbitohs: WLWWLLWLBWDLLLBLLWWW
Bulldogs: WWLWWWWWBLWLBWWWLWWL

The Rabbitohs are on their best winning streak of the year, chasing a fourth straight victory against a Bulldogs side reeling from a stunning defeat at the hands of Parramatta last week.

South Sydney now sits just one point outside the top eight, again giving their fans hope of an all-too rare finals appearance.

While the Bulldogs’ sluggish defeat against the Eels will have given the in-form Bunnies even more to be confident about this week, it also ensures the Dogs won’t be a risk of complacency this time around.

It was the Canterbury club’s first loss against a bottom-eight side this season, but could prove the perfect wake-up call with six weeks to play before the finals.

Mick Crocker returns on the bench in the only change for the Souths lineup, while David Stagg and Jarrad Hickey come into the Bulldogs side in place of Daniel Holdsworth and Brad Morrin.

KEY MATCH UP
Isaac Luke v Michael Ennis
Ennis has taken plenty of plaudits this season for his terrific performances in his first season at the Bulldogs, earning a NSW call-up for State of Origin game three.

He was one of Brisbane’s best last year but has stepped up another level in 2009, with a rock solid defensive game and playmaking abilities that have helped the Bulldogs become one of the most lethal attacking teams in the NRL.

Luke has had a quieter year in comparison, after grabbing headlines with some stunning performances last season, but he remains a key weapon for the Rabbitohs.

He leads the competition for runs from dummy half, and the fact he has kept NSW star Craig Wing on the bench in recent weeks shows just how much Jason Taylor trusts the youngster.

Souths have the second-most line-breaks from dummy half in the competition, and Luke and Wing will be key men for the Bulldogs to watch on Sunday.

PUNTERS GUIDE
Head to head: Rabbitohs $3.00; Bulldogs $1.36
Last week’s capitulation against the Eels was out of character for the Bulldogs, but they should shake that off this week.

They’re at full strength – a rare thing for an NRL team at this stage of the season – and should have the Rabbitohs’ measure across the park.

Bulldogs by 10.

CASUALTY WARD
Rabbitohs: Rhys Wesser – knee (indefinite), Shaune Corrigan – leg (indefinite), Kane Cleal – wrist (season)
Bulldogs: -

BAD BOYS
Rabbitohs: -
Bulldogs: -

TEAM LISTS
RABBITOHS: Nathan Merritt, Jamie Simpson, Colin Best, Beau Champion, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Luke Stuart, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi (capt), Ben Lowe, Eddy Pettybourne, David Faalogo. Interchange: Craig Wing, Shannan McPherson, Michael Crocker, Scott Geddes, Dave Tyrrell (one to be omitted).   
BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Josh Morris, Jamal Idris, Bryson Goodwin, Ben Roberts, Brett Kimmorley, Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Michael Hodgson, Gary Warburton, Andrew Ryan (capt), David Stagg. Interchange: Chris Armit, Greg Eastwood, Yileen Gordon, Jarrad Hickey