The South Sydney Rabbitohs will be out to lock up a home elimination final when they face a depleted Sydney Roosters side at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. 

A 42-22 win over Gold Coast last Saturday was a vital result for the Rabbitohs, who will celebrate Jai Arrow’s 100th appearance for the club. 

Meanwhile, the Roosters will rest a host of stars ahead of an away qualifying final next week. Sydney slid to fourth following losses to the Tigers in Round 25 and the Dolphins last Saturday. 

Compounding matters is Sam Walker’s ankle injury, though the club remains hopeful of a potential finals return. 

Jye Gray is favoured at fullback for Souths, with Matthew Dufty on the bench, while Latrell Mitchell starts in the centres as Tallis Duncan is rested. 

Roosters stars Billy Smith, Daly Cherry-Evans, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Hugo Savala, James Tedesco, Siua Wong, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson and Robert Toia will all sit out. Sydney claimed a 26-18 win when these sides met in Round 2, but it will be a tough ask to run it back here fielding a second-string side. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of the latest installment in this classic rivalry, check out our Rabbitohs vs Roosters tips and predictions below!

Rabbitohs vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

This NRL Round 27 blockbuster pits two fierce rivals against each other on Friday night and boy what an occasion it should be.

South Sydney officially secured their finals berth with a 42-22 win over the Titans last week, with an inspirational display from skipper Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell returning from injury. 

Adding to the occasion this week, Jai Arrow will play his 100th game for the Rabbitohs, in what should be emotional scenes.  

The Roosters, meanwhile, have a cloud over their spine. Halfback Sam Walker had ankle surgery and is racing the clock to be fit for finals, which means the Chooks may manage their roster carefully here.

History favours the Roosters in this fixture; they've won six of their last seven against South Sydney. But with Walker sidelined, the rest of their stars rested and the Rabbitohs surging on the back of Mitchell's return, plus the emotion surrounding Arrow’s situation, the momentum has seemingly shifted to the home side.

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Back from injury, back in the starting side and back playing his old team. This has Latrell Mitchell masterclass written all over it.

If you needed some statistical substance to side with Trell Mit for first try scorer, in each of South Sydney's last three matches, their starting right centre has scored at least one try.

Betting tip: Latrell Mitchell. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the Roosters last six matches at Allianz Stadium have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 54.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The Roosters have covered the line in each of their last four matches against South Sydney at Allianz Stadium.

Betting tip: Roosters (21.5) line. 

Rabbitohs vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Daniel Tupou

Daniel Tupou has scored at least one try in each of his last four appearances at Allianz Stadium.

Alex Johnston

Alex Johnston has scored at least one try in each of his last 10 appearances against teams on a losing streak.

Tommy Talau

In three of South Sydney's last four matches, the opposition's starting left centre has scored a try.

Salesi Foketi

Salesi Foketi has scored a try in three of Sydney's last four night matches.

Rabbitohs vs Roosters Teams 

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Jack Wighton

5. Campbell Graham

23. Jai Arrow 

7. Jayden Sullivan

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Brandon Smith

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Adam Elliott

13. Cameron Murray (c)

 6. Cody Walker

14. Matt Dufty

15. Lachlan Hubner

16. Sean Keppie

17. Jamie Humphreys

18. Euan Aitken

Sydney Roosters Team List 

1. Cody Ramsay

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Fetalaiga Pauga

4. Tommy Talau

5. Rex Bassingthwaighte

6. Reece Foley

7. Toby Rodwell

8. Spencer Leniu 

9. Benaiah Ioelu

10. Lindsay Collins (c)

11. Salesi Foketi

12. Egan Butcher

13. Connor Watson 

14. Tom Rodwell

15. Taylor Losalu

16. De La Salle Va'a

17. Aston Warwick

18. Jake Elliott

19. Hayden Barton

Rabbitohs vs Roosters Match Details 

Date: Friday, September 4, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST. 

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.