The Sydney Roosters are gearing up to face their arch-rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, in a highly anticipated clash on Friday night, April 4, 2025, at Accor Stadium. This Round 5 encounter comes at a critical juncture for the Roosters, who are desperate to snap a two-game losing streak after suffering defeats to New Zealand and the Gold Coast in consecutive weeks. The Roosters had previously stunned the Penrith Panthers but have struggled to maintain that momentum.
Unfortunately for the Roosters, their task has become more challenging with the news that Mark Nawaqanitawase, who has been a standout performer this season, will miss the match due to calf tightness. The 24-year-old has been instrumental in the Roosters' attack, scoring two tries and providing an assist in his four appearances. His impressive stats include four linebreaks and 13 tackle busts, showcasing his ability to break through defenses and create scoring opportunities.
Head coach Trent Robinson expressed disappointment at losing Nawaqanitawase, who has forged a promising partnership with veteran winger Daniel Tupou. "Mark has been one of our best attacking outlets this season, and his absence will be felt," Robinson said. "We are still assessing the severity of his injury and the timeline for his return, but we hope to have him back soon." In Nawaqanitawase's absence, Billy Smith will step in at center for his first NRL game of the season. Smith, who has battled a series of injuries, is eager to make an impact after not playing at all last year due to foot and ankle issues.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs are coming off a strong start to the season, having won three of their first four matches. They are also dealing with their share of injury woes, missing star center Campbell Graham and flyer Tyrone Munro, both of whom are expected to return in two to three weeks. Souths coach Wayne Bennett has named Latrell Mitchell in the centers for this match, marking his first appearance of the 2025 season. Despite being fully fit, Mitchell's role will be temporary as the Rabbitohs navigate through their injury crisis among outside backs.
“Latrell understands the situation,” Bennett explained. “We had a conversation about it, and he’s happy to come back in that position. He will be our fullback when everything settles down, but for now, we need him in the centers.” Mitchell will play in the centers for the first time in 76 games as a Rabbitoh, with Dally M leader Jye Gray continuing at fullback. Bennett emphasized that the decision was made for the team’s benefit, particularly given the injuries to key players.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for this grudge match, they are looking to maintain their strong form and capitalize on the Roosters' struggles. The rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of intensity to the match, with both sides eager to assert their dominance. The Roosters will need to find a way to overcome the absence of Nawaqanitawase and rally together to secure a crucial victory.
The match is set to kick off at 8:00 PM AEDT, and fans can expect a thrilling showdown filled with passion and excitement. With both teams having plenty to prove, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash in the NRL's Multicultural Round.
In addition to the Roosters vs. Rabbitohs match, Round 5 of the NRL season features several other key matchups. The Penrith Panthers will face the North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium at 6:00 PM AEDT, while the Parramatta Eels will take on the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday, April 5, at 3:00 PM AEDT. The Gold Coast Titans will battle the Dolphins at 5:30 PM AEDT on the same day, followed by the Brisbane Broncos going up against the Wests Tigers at 7:35 PM AEDT. Finally, the Manly Sea Eagles will meet the Melbourne Storm on Sunday, April 6, at 4:05 PM AEDT, before the Canterbury Bulldogs host the Newcastle Knights at 6:15 PM AEDT.
As the season progresses, fans are eager to see how these matchups unfold and whether the Roosters can turn their fortunes around against their fierce rivals. Will Billy Smith make a significant impact in his return? Can Latrell Mitchell help lead the Rabbitohs to victory? Only time will tell in this exciting chapter of the NRL season.
