After a big day of sporting action across the country, this game will aim to build on the profit the tipsters at Before You Bet have already established, with this NRL betting preview of the second Finals match for the weekend. There is little that can compare to the drama and excitement of sudden death rugby league and if last week is a guide, this game promises to be a thrilling contest.
Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Betting Tips
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 17th September, 8pm (AEST)
The Sharks missed a great opportunity to have a week off and progress through to the Grand Final qualifier. They were seemingly in control of the result too with less than 10 minutes to go as they were leading by 8 points. A spirited Cowboys comeback sent the game to extra time then golden point, where the visitors prevailed 32-30, courtesy of a 2-point field goal. It was a thrilling contest which will likely impact their fatigue levels this week. There were parts the Sharks will look back on and wish to improve also; namely an inferior possession statistic (48%), a lower completion rate (80% - which was still satisfactory), 54 missed tackles and 12 errors.
The Rabbitohs have plenty of momentum building following their 30-14 victory over bitter rivals, the Roosters. Just a week prior, they were outplayed by the same opponent, but it was a different story in Week 1 of the Finals, as the Rabbitohs appeared determined to make it a physical contest. In a controversial match for a variety of reasons, they too will likely suffer from fatigue and injuries; a 6-day turnaround into this match will also prove difficult. They were better in most areas compared with their opponents; their completion rate was higher (80% vs 73%), they missed fewer tackles (23 vs 29) and made fewer errors (8 vs 12). This level of execution has evaded the Rabbitohs in big matches this season and providing they can maintain this standard while disrupting the momentum of their opponents, they should be competitive. These two sides have met just once this season for a thrilling 21-20 golden point victory to the Sharks so get set, this game is likely to produce another great contest.
Squads
Cronulla Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Connor Tracey 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicholas Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Dale Finucane Interchange: 14. Teig Wilton 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Andrew Fifita 18. Lachlan Miller
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. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Kolomatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Hame Sele 16. Michael Chee Kam 17. Siliva Havili 18. Davvy Moale
Match Prediction
The outcome of this match will depend on how well each team ‘backs up’ after a bruising encounter last week. With the loss of Burgess and a 6-day turnaround to contend with, the Sharks appear to have the advantage over their opponents. The odds suggest otherwise with the Rabbitohs listed as slight favourites ($2.05 vs $1.78). This is surprising given the respective performances throughout the year; opinion may be swayed towards the Rabbitohs though as they possess superstars in key positions that can impact the result as opposed to their opponents. A great example of this would be the matchup between Finucane and Murray; one is a workhorse while the latter is this (and then some) as well as ball playing ability and a motor which appears to be endless. This game will be far closer than the odds are suggesting though; it is almost offensive that the Sharks are over $2. Based on how close the previous match were and how well these teams are matched, it is likely that this game will be close and the Suggested Bet indicates this. Make sure you also check out the two ‘Same Game Multis’ for each side if you prefer them to win.
Prop Bets:
Either Team By 6 Points or Less @ $2.40 – 1.5 units
Johnston & Graham to score @ $5 – 0.5 units
HT/FT Double – Draw/South @ $14 – 0.5 units
Also Consider:
If you like the Sharks – Sharks/Sharks +1.5/Sharks 1-12 @ $3.30 – 1.5 units
If you like the Rabbitohs – Souths/Souths -1/Souths 13+ @ $3.90 – 1 unit
Either team By 8 Points or Less
$1.90 (3 Units)
