Alex Johnston is back on the left wing for cowboys vs rabbitohs, and South Sydney have also handed Talanoa Penitani an NRL debut in jersey five for Sunday’s round 12 trip to Townsville. The Rabbitohs arrive fifth on the ladder, two places above the Cowboys, with both teams carrying four losses into Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
South Sydney will face North Queensland at Queensland Country Bank Stadium at 4:05pm AEST. Johnston returns in jersey two, Peter Mamouzelos starts at hooker in jersey nine, and Matthew Dufty is on the interchange bench in jersey 14, where he could reach his 100th career NRL appearance if he takes the field.
Rabbitohs shuffle their backline
Wayne Bennett has altered the Rabbitohs’ lineup after a 10-32 loss to the Dolphins in round 11. Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham and Jayden Sullivan are out, while Jamie Humphreys has been named on the interchange bench in jersey 16.
Penitani’s selection on the right wing gives South Sydney a first-game look at one of the more notable changes in the side. Johnston’s return to the left edge restores a proven option after the Rabbitohs’ recent mix of results, which also included a 48-6 win over Melbourne in round eight and a 36-12 win over Cronulla-Sutherland in round 10.
Cowboys bring back Taumalolo
North Queensland have made their own changes, with Jason Taumalolo back in the starting side at lock after being named among the ins. Kai O'Donnell has been added to the interchange bench in jersey 16, while Viliami Vailea takes the Cowboys’ jersey 14.
Reuben Cotter and Braidon Burns are notable omissions from the Cowboys lineup. The home side enter at seventh on the ladder with seven wins and four losses from 11 games, leaving this meeting tight enough to matter in the upper half of the table.
The Cowboys also carry the most recent edge between the clubs, having beaten South Sydney 24-16 in round six of 2025 at Optus Stadium. For the Rabbitohs, the task in Townsville is clear enough: replace the missing starters, steady after round 11, and leave the road trip with points against a side sitting just below them.
