The final game on NRL Magic Round Super Saturday features two teams who are struggling for a variety of reasons, with the Rabbitohs facing the Cowboys. With both expected to be higher on the competition ladder than their current standing, they will see this game as ideal fixture to get a win and create some positive momentum. It is not that easy, and each side will have to be at their best to achieve that. Let’s take a comprehensive look at how this match will play out.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
NRL Round 11 Preview & Betting Tips
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs North Queensland Cowboys
Suncorp Stadium – Saturday 18th May – 7:45pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Rabbitohs horror run of form continued with another loss; this time, it was the Dragons who were successful. Continuing to miss a host of player, they were a slight chance to grab their second win of the year. Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t to be with a lack of possession (45%) and a poor completion rate (66%) impacting their ability to perform well. Regardless of the quality of player they have, such poor execution will always make it difficult to win matches. Furthermore, they made just 1 line break, and trailed their opponents in total metres and pcm’s made. The rut they are currently in appears set for a longer stay.
The Cowboys were as equally disappointing in their 20-18 loss to the Titans at home. Heading into the game as favourites, many expected the visitors to halt a 4-game losing streak. Such a thought was quickly erased after the first half, with a 20-nil deficit established, a major shift in performance was needed. While it came in the second half, they left it too late to steal victory, eventually running out of time. Their inability to turn positive play into points hurt their cause; they made more total metres and had more pcm’s; their defence was an issue though, as they missed 44 tackles. Both sides have their areas which they need to improve upon and will be desperate to win this contest.
Match Prediction
This is an ugly game to try and figure out a winner in. Neither has played well enough this season to warrant any confidence. The fact that the Cowboys have a stronger team on paper for this match justifies favouritism ($3.20 vs $1.36) but bookies have been far too kind to the Cowboys. They have failed at numerous attempts this year to defeat an inferior opponent; some may argue that they are the team underperforming most in the competition.
The performance of the Rabbitohs this season indicates that too are not worthy of being considered of an upset. They concede far too many points in defence (35ppg vs Cowboys 26ppg) and appears to have lost their attacking spark also (15ppg vs Cowboys 24 ppg). Despite this (and a loss against the Cowboys last year), they have won 7 out of the past 8 against their opponents. To see a similar outcome here would be surprising; they make too many mistakes when in possession of the ball and lazy options from their backs in defence allows sides to turn half chances into points all too regularly.
Ideally, the preferred option is to stay away from this game altogether. However, if you must have a flutter, invest on the Cowboys winning by less than 2 converted tries. While they have no issue scoring points, their defence is also questionable. They will sense an opportunity to build confidence against the last placed team in the competition, but a lot still must change for that to occur. As mentioned throughout this preview, confidence is such an outcome is low.
Cowboys 1-12
$3.30 (1 Unit)
