A classic master versus apprentice battle is set to unfold when Canterbury's Brett Kimmorley goes head to head with South Sydney's Chris Sandow in Friday's crucial NRL clash at ANZ Stadium.

Former Test and NSW halfback Kimmorley is due to make a call on his illustrious career within days, while 2008 Dally M rookie of the year Sandow is blossoming in his second full year in the big time.

Sandow produced a brilliant game to help dig Souths out of a mid-season slump in last week's 38-28 victory over the Warriors and will be hopeful of more of the same with the Rabbitohs teetering on the edge of the top eight.

"It will probably be a big step because I grew up watching Noddy," the 21-year-old said of his battle with Kimmorley.

"Hopefully Noddy doesn't have a real good game against us."

Sandow, though, is confident he can match it with his 33-year-old opponent.

"I think it's pretty even at the moment (in past games) but Noddy's been around for years, he does the little things right (like) kick and chases," Sandow said.

"He's a top bloke at doing what he does, really good.

"All the boys have got to get on top of him and see how we go."

The battle between Bulldogs halves Kimmorley and Ben Barba and their Souths opposites Sandow and John Sutton is set to be an enthralling one.

Fighting for survival in 2010, the Dogs could also inject fit-again Ben Roberts, who returned from an ankle injury in the NSW Cup last weekend.

"They're in good form," Canterbury captain Andrew Ryan said of the Souths duo.

"They obviously led their team around last week, they came from behind against the Warriors who were in red-hot form."

Ryan said Kimmorley was keen to meet the challenge of his young opponent.

"(Sandow's) a young up-and-coming half so obviously they like to test themselves against other people that have been around for a long time in the competition," Ryan told AAP.

"Noddy will be excited about it too, Chris was probably the best player on the field last week."

The Rabbitohs will be relieved to have New Zealand hooker Issac Luke back from a shoulder injury, but lost forward Dave Taylor to a broken collarbone last week and have centre Beau Champion (cork) in doubt.

"(Luke) just loves getting out of (dummy half) and running, that's his strength," Sandow said.

"He gives us the ball when we want the ball which is really good."

Souths' recent record against the Dogs has been poor but they did perform well in a 38-16 round four win and will aim for their first back-to-back victories over Canterbury since 1992.

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