The second game on Friday night features the opening of the rebuilt Allianz Stadium. There is no greater start for this ground than the bitter rivalry between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs. There is no love lost between these two sides on the best of occasions, let alone their current ladder standing and run towards the Finals.
This game promises to be a thrilling contest and we at Before You Bet will aim to have you covered with our NRL Betting preview.
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Betting Tips
Allianz Stadium, Friday 2nd September, 7:55pm (AEST)
Squads
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Paul Momirovski 3. Drew Hutchinson 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Fletcher Baker 17. Terrell May 18. Adam Keighran
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Jaxson Paulo 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Siliva Havili 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Hame Sele 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Blake Taaffe
Match Preview
The Roosters head into this game after a bruising encounter against the Storm in Melbourne. The recovery ahead of this game was made easier by the 18-14 victory in a heated contest. Unfortunately, it has impacted player availability for this game, but they can be proud of their achievements. In their toughest test recently, they dominated possession (53%) and had a high completion rate (82%), controlling the speed of play and displaying a great defensive structure. They will be a hard team to defeat if all players are on deck.
The Rabbitohs were also victorious against a team higher than them on the ladder, winning 20-10 over the Cowboys in a tight contest. Needing to improve ball control from their previous weeks match, they were better at times but still displayed errors (71% completion rate and 15 errors) that they will be made to pay for in the Finals.
In terms of Week 1 of the Finals, these teams will already know the possible outcome ahead of kick-off of this match. This may impact the decision each coach takes ahead of naming a final 17; this could impact the odds too, so stay tuned to Twitter for a possible shift.
Taking the game on face value at time of writing (Wednesday) – the odds have the Roosters as favourites ($1.77 vs $2.05) and it is hard to go past the team on a 7-game winning streak. They have been displaying far greater control of possession in games and can hold opponents out with resolute defence; as good as their attack is, their defensive structure is a strong feature of their success. That isn’t to rule the Rabbitohs out; they’re a dangerous attacking team and ask plenty of questions of their opponents.
Normally with a bitter rivalry like this one, a close game would be recommended but history suggests otherwise. In the past 6 matches, the average margin of victory sits at 26 points, with the Rabbitohs winning 4/6 contests. Nevertheless, there is time that this contest took a turn, and the stage is set for it to occur in a new stadium. The loss of Cook for the Rabbitohs is equated by Radley for the Roosters, while Collins suspension for the Roosters allows the Rabbitohs pack into the contest. With so many similarities, a close game appears likely.
Prop Bets:
Roosters 1-12 @ $2.90 – 0.5 units
Total Points Under 44.5 @ $1.90 – 1.5 units
Momirovski & Milne to score @ $4.60 – 1 unit
Either Team by 8 Points or Less
$1.95 (2 Units)
