One of the biggest rivalries in the NRL is set to explode on Friday night, as the Sydney Roosters take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs, in a clash of two of this season’s premiership heavyweights. The Roosters and Rabbitohs both have aspirations of glory this season, and despite it only being round 3, there will be plenty around the NRL that hope we see these two sides clash again in September. For now, though, let’s try and make sense of this game, in anticipation of the next chapter in the Book of Feuds.
It was a horrible week by me last week, and not only in the 3 games previewed, going 0-4 on bets last week, bringing my season total to 1-6 (-5.18u). These weeks happen, now let’s hope some of that positive variance lands our way this week.
Check out our best bets for the second game of Friday’s NRL double-header below!
Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview & Betting Tips
Allianz Stadium, Friday 17th March, 8:00pm (AEDT)
The Roosters came into their clash with the Warriors on the back of a disappointing first round loss to the Dolphins. After closing 12.5-point favourites over the Warriors, the Roosters proceeded to struggle by the New Zealand based outfit, only putting the game away in the final 5 minutes. Their forward pack was dominant, and it was more the lack of cohesion in attacking areas that kept this game close. Despite not being in mid-season form, the Roosters did what was required, getting their season on track before this mammoth clash with the Rabbitohs.
As for the Rabbitohs, they backed up their week 1 win over the Sharks with a tough loss to the Panthers. The final score (16-10) flattered the Rabbitohs to a degree, with two tries in the final 15 minutes required to make it a one score game. Their performance was disappointing, however, to be fair to the Rabbitohs, they caught the Panthers at a really bad time, after the Panthers lost to the Broncos in round 1. I expect a far better performance this week from the South Sydney side.
Who can forget the 2022 Elimination Final contested at Allianz Stadium between these two great foes last season. After meeting in the final week of the regular season, the rivals clashed in week 1 of the finals in a win or go home clash. After a tight opening half saw the Rabbitohs with a tight 12-8 lead, the second half turned into a bloodbath, with 7 total sin bins for the game, and the Rabbitohs running out 30-14 winners. The match was undoubtedly tighter than the score, but the storyline was the 7 sin bins, and the bad blood between these two great rivals reaching fever pitch.
Now, only three weeks into season 2023, we get to see these great rivals go head-to-head once again. The look ahead for this one had the Roosters as short 1.5-point favourites. This quickly flipped, despite the Rabbitohs losing last week and the Roosters winning, and the Rabbitohs currently sit as 2.5-point favourites. I have to say I agree with this move, with the Rabbitohs looking much more complete than the Roosters through 2 rounds. This is a huge step up in class for the Roosters, having faced the Dolphins and Warriors in the opening two rounds, whereas the Rabbits are battle hardened, having faced the top 2 teams in the minor premiership from last season.
The Rabbitohs have won 5 of the past 6 matchups between these teams, with the Roosters only win being in the final round of the regular season last year. I give the Rabbitohs the advantage in this one and will take them to win.
I am also a fan of the over in this matchup, with the total sitting at O/U 39.5. The total has sailed over 39.5 in each of the past 7 games between these teams, and I see it happening again here.
Other Bets
Over 39.5 Points - $1.90 @ Betr (1u)
Rabbitohs to Win
$1.75 (1.5 Units)
