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Blues stars take centre stage in NRL derby

Coach Anthony Seibold says curbing Latrell Mitchell's influence is vital to South Sydney's hopes of beating the in-form Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium.

Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell scores for the Sydney Roosters in their NRL defeat to South Sydney in April. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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They're the two rookie Blues who can add a new chapter to the Book of Feuds.

NSW State of Origin pair Latrell Mitchell and Damien Cook will take centre stage when South Sydney host the Sydney Roosters in a blockbuster local derby on Friday.

After helping the Blues to a breakthrough series triumph in their maiden series, the duo have since emerged as arguably the two most in-form players in the league.

Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold admitted having to hatch a plan to limit the Roosters centre.

"Obviously (Mitchell has) been a big part of our preview this week," Seibold said on Thursday.

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"One thing we've noticed is he likes getting the ball, good ball, so we need to be really strong inside our 20-metre zone because he's scored six tries in the last couple of games.

"He's made numerous line breaks and tackle breaks."

Seibold put the onus on his playmakers to steer the run of play deep in Roosters territory, rather than allowing Mitchell to have any looks at their tryline.

"What we've got to try and do is play them down the other end, where he doesn't carry too much down that end," he said.

"If we can play down there, it takes him out of the game."

In contrast, Roosters coach Trent Robinson scoffed at suggestions Cook presented a nightmare match-up for his defensive middle.

Cook's individual try in last week's win over defending premiers Melbourne including standing up champion fullback Billy Slater and outpacing Josh Addo-Carr.

"There's been enough respect in looking at that, but there's also how our defence pressure an opposition as well," Robinson said.

"We've definitely done enough on what they're going to throw at us."

With just three games remaining after this weekend, a win for the Rabbitohs would keep them on track for their first minor premiership since 1989.

But a loss would allow the Roosters to join them on 32 points and set up a grandstand finish for the JJ Giltinan Shield.

And while the Rabbitohs have lost three of their past four against their arch rivals, Seibold is adamant he doesn't need any more motivation for the contest.

"I understand the history of the two clubs. It's been a fantastic rivalry between the two clubs for a long time, since 1908. I don't have to get in there and beat the drum," he said.

"Do we like the Roosters? No we don't. Do they like us? No they don't."

Rabbitohs winger Campbell Graham is in doubt with a wrist injury, adding to a growing list of backline injuries that includes Greg Inglis, Robert Jennings and Adam Doueihi.

STATS THAT MATTER

* This match pits the best tryscoring team in the league against the best defensive one. The Rabbitohs cross for 4.2 tries per game, while the Roosters concede 2.3.

* The Roosters are aiming for their third-straight win over the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium for the first time since 2006-08, and the second time in their history.

* Trent Robinson will equal Arthur Beetson by coaching his 152nd match for the club, second only to Arthur Halloway's 154 games.


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