The oldest rivalry in the game reignites early in the season with the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs coming together for a blockbuster at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

The Tri-colours have owned this rivalry in recent years, with five wins from their past six including a 36-6 belting late last year.

The Roosters, however, were disappointing last week to start this season, losing 42-18 to the Warriors.

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs were able to start their 2026 campaign positively, defeating the Dolphins 40-30 in Brisbane.

Alex Johnston crossed for Souths during that win, putting him just one behind equalling the all-time try-scoring record. Ken he catch Irvine in this clash?

Ashton Ward will miss for the Bunnies, meaning Jayden Sullivan is the new halfback. The Roosters have named Robert Toia after his late withdrawal from Round 1, with Fetalaiga Pauga back to the extended bench.

Siua Wong and Egan Butcher join the starting lineup, with Nat Butcher and Blake Steep dropping to the bench.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of what could be a history-making night, check out our Roosters vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

Roosters vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Good golly, what a game we have here under Friday night lights. Age-old arch rivals the Rooster and Rabbitohs will reignite their rivalry at Allianz Stadium this week and there’s more than just competition points on the line.

For the Rabbitohs, in addition to the two points, there is a shot at history up for grabs, for one of their players at least.

Red and Green winger Alex Johnston is one try away from equalling Ken Irvine’s record as the NRL’s greatest ever try scorer and two away from breaking it.

Oh, how he would love to break the record against the Roosters and he is certainly in with a shot, as the Tri-colours were pretty poor last week against the Warriors.

The same can’t be said for South Sydney who saw off The Dolphins at Suncorp on Sunday.

With the likes of Mitchell, Murray, Fifita and Graham all fit and firing, Wayne Bennett’s side were unrecognisable to the one that limped to 14th last season.

Yes, their defence was patchy in places as they shipped 30 against the Dolphins, but their attack more than made up for it. 

We expect them to run in tries a plenty here if given the opportunity, as well as shovelling the ball out to the left edge as much as possible in an attempt to write their great mate Johnston’s name into the NRL history books.

Betting tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

First Try Scorer Prediction

No prizes for guessing who we’re backing here. As Alex Johnston stares down the barrel of NRL try scoring history, it almost feels amiss to not tip him to open the scoring at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

If he does cross for an early try. We also fancy him to go on and grab another to finally break Ken Irvine’s long-standing record.

Betting tip: Alex Johnston.

Over/Under Prediction

Seven of South Sydney's last eight Friday matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (49.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

The home team has covered the line in each of the last four matches between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters (-1.5) line.

Roosters vs Rabbitohs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Daniel Tupou

Daniel Tupou has scored at least one try in each of Sydney's last seven home matches.

Campbell Graham

In six of South Sydney's last seven matches, its starting left wing has scored at least one try.

Angus Crichton

Angus Crichton has scored a try in each of Sydney's last three matches.

Cody Walker

In each of Sydney's last two home matches, the opposition's starting five-eighth has scored a try.

Daly Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans has scored a try in three of his last four appearances against South Sydney.

Roosters vs Rabbitohs Teams

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Benaiah Ioelu

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Egan Butcher

14. Connor Watson

15. Blake Steep

16. Nat Butcher

17. Salesi Foketi

18. Cody Ramsay

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Jack Wighton

5. Campbell Graham

6. Cody Walker

7. Jayden Sullivan

8. Tevita Tatola

9. Bronson Garlick

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Euan Aitken 

13. Cameron Murray (c)

14. Peter Mamouzelos 

15. Tallis Duncan

16. Lachlan Hubner

17. Sean Keppie

Roosters vs Rabbitohs Match Details

Date: Friday, March 13, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney.