Rabbitohs, Raiders calls put finals heat on Roosters

South Sydney captain Cameron Murray is set to make his one and only appearance of the season, while 10 key players from the Canberra Raiders will be rested in their Round 27 fixture against the Dolphins, which could significantly affect the finals hopes of the Sydney Roosters.

The Rabbitohs are scheduled to face the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Despite Souths facing elimination from finals contention, Murray is eager to compete against their long-standing rivals after recovering from an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined since February.

A victory for the Roosters would secure their place in the top eight; however, should Souths win instead, Trent Robinson's team will have to wait for the outcome of the Sunday match between the Dolphins and Raiders at Kayo Stadium to discover their finals fate.

The Dolphins are excited to welcome back standout England centre Herbie Farnworth, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, as they aim for their first-ever finals appearance since joining the league in 2023. Their chances may be enhanced by the fact that most of Canberra's regular squad will be absent.

Having recently claimed the club's first minor premiership since 1990 and secured a home final, Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart has chosen to rest several key players including Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Ethan Strange, Jamal Fogarty, Joe Tapine, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi, Josh Papalii, Zac Hosking, and Hudson Young.

The outcome of the sold-out match will not affect the finals if the Roosters emerge victorious, bolstered by the return of halfback Sam Walker from a concussion.

Conversely, the Rabbitohs are determined to conclude their season on a high note while also aiming to help Alex Johnston become the all-time leading tryscorer in premiership history.