The Rabbitohs will draw on club legend Nathan Merritt's inspirational cancer battle as they look to topple the Canterbury Bulldogs in the annual Good Friday showdown.
The former NSW winger will ring the club's Legacy Bell in front of more than 50,000 fans at Accor Stadium to kick off the latest chapter of the fierce rivalry.
One of the game’s great try-scoring wingers in his day, Merritt has endured a number of health struggles since hanging up the boots more than a decade ago.
The 42-year-old is currently battling stage 4 cancer in his oesophagus and liver, and the Rabbitohs are hoping to pay tribute to the club legend with a victory this afternoon.
The Rabbitohs will also raise money for the club legend during the match as part of the 50-50 charity raffle.
The Rabbitohs will take on the Bulldogs at 5.05pm this afternoon.
In other matches, the Panthers will face the Storm at 9pm tonight, the Dragons will meet the Cowboys at 6.30pm tomorrow, and the Titans will play the Broncos at 8.35pm.
Source: NRL