Rabbitohs regain two attackers

At last there appears to be some hope for winless National Rugby League (NRL) team South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs finally received good news today with hooker Issac Luke and centre Nigel Vagana named to make NRL comebacks against Brisbane on Friday.

Luke has not played since fracturing his hand in round three and former Kiwis international Vagana was reportedly close to retirement when stepping down from the side after round one with a hamstring injury.

But aside from adding significant strikepower to their lineup, coach Jason Taylor has made more changes with Eddie Paea promoted to start at halfback alongside five-eighth Ben Rogers.

Taylor has dumped Jeremy Smith just two weeks after pledging to show more confidence in the young halfback and now says he will show faith in Paea.

It is a return to the Rabbitohs' scrumbase combination which took to the field in the round two 12-25 loss to the Bulldogs and is the sixth time in seven rounds Taylor has altered his halves.

"There's no doubt Eddie's still learning but we think it's time to put him in there," Taylor said.

"Let's look towards the future, let's give him a shot at showing us what he can do in the number seven jersey for an extended period.

"It's been a bit hard for him so far being in and out of first grade but it's time we gave him a solid chance and while he's playing first grade there's no doubt we'll get a much better chance to not only see what he can do but also work on the things that he needs to improve.

"There's a few of those but we're confident that he's going to do a good job for us and as I say we think he's the future of our club."

- AAP