It’s déjà vu for NRL fans as the Roosters host the Rabbitohs at the rebuilt Allianz Stadium for the second time in 9 days. After a great weekend of action across all sports, there is no better way to finish than with a winner.
This NRL Betting Preview will aim to find you one while you’re also enjoying everything this NRL contest has to offer.
Roosters vs Rabbitohs Preview & Betting Tips
Allianz Stadium, Sunday 11th September, 4:05pm (AEST)
The Roosters opened their new stadium in style last week, recording a comprehensive 26-16 victory over the Rabbitohs. With many factors impact that contest, namely pregame and in-game injuries, little can be taken away from that match and used here. The performance was exactly what you would expect from the Roosters in a big game; they had a high completion rate (88% vs 79%) and averaged more metres per carry (9.4m vs 8.9m), while doing a great job of taking the key Rabbitohs players out of the contest with targeted defensive efforts. This, combined with a strong kicking game, remove Latrell Mitchell’s impact from the contest. The metres they were making at the beginning of sets gave the Roosters an edge in field position and further fatigued the Rabbitohs. When it came to quality possession, the Rabbitohs halves were ineffective until the last quarter of the match. By that stage, the result was all but final. The challenge now for both teams is lifting from that performance, producing something different which their opponents didn’t see last week, and trying to win an elimination fixture against a bitter rival.
Squads
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Drew Hutchinson 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Adam Keighran 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Kevin Naiqama
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damein Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Siliva Havili 18. Blake Taaffe
Match Prediction
The Roosters are strong favourites for this match ($1.60 vs $2.35) and they are boosted by the return of Radley, Tupou and Suaalii; while the loss of Manu will provide a large gap in their backline, the returning players undoubtedly strengthen the Roosters. The Rabbitohs also receive a boost with Graham, Cook and Murray all expected to play.
This game is going to be far closer than the odds are suggesting. The biggest doubt around the Rabbitohs is their ability to respect possession. If they have a high mistake rate which is the result of simple mistakes, the Roosters will make them pay. There will be a new level of pressure on the halves in the Roosters too, with both Murray and Cook offering speed on either side of the ball which will assist the Rabbitohs. If this goes as planned, greater pressure should be placed on the Roosters 5th and 6th tackle kicks, allowing for more momentum at the start of the Rabbitohs sets. Last week, this was a notable area of difference. The Rabbitohs have to use this to their advantage and take the Roosters attacking weapons, of which there are many, out of the game. Confidence isn’t too high in this match, so invest wisely. There is value to be had on the Rabbitohs in what will be a close and intense contest, over 80 minutes.
Prop Bet: Either team to win by 8 points or less/Total points over 42.5 @ $4.70 – 1 unit Ladbrokes
Rabbitohs +4.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
