The final game on Saturday evening is a showdown between the Rabbitohs and Sharks in Perth. A crucial clash for each team, each will be out to claim a vital 2-competition points to remain inside the Top 8. Both teams have faced their fair share of challenges recently and will understand the importance of this fixture.
This sets the stage for an exciting game of NRL and with the action high on the field, punters should seek the opportunity to find a winner or two. BeforeYouBet is here to take a comprehensive look at the NRL match, to help guide you along the way.
NRL Round 23 Preview & Betting Tips
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cronulla Sharks
Optus Stadium, Saturday 5th August, 7:35pm (AEST)
Always expected to defeat the Tigers in Tamworth, the Rabbitohs did just that and never appeared to get out of second gear in their 32-18 victory. Leading 20-6 at HT, they allowed their opponents to find some momentum in the second half but never conceded the lead or appear troubled. Their 80% completion rate with 56% possession showed maturity, while their power in the middle was highlighted by their superior total metres and post-contact metres. They will need to continue this momentum, but it was a welcomed result considering it moved them back into the Top 8.
The Sharks headed to Penrith to face the Panthers on a 2-game losing streak and in desperate need of a form reversal. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as they were comprehensively defeated 28-nil. While the score indicates a one-sided affair, the Sharks were competitive for different stages but were defeated by a better team. They were strangled out of the contest with just 40% possession and a 66% completion rate. Fatigue levels were built in defence and missing 44 tackles against a team like Penrith was always going to lead to issues. They are quickly falling down the ladder (and the NRL Power Rankings) and need a win to ensure they are in with a chance of playing in the Finals.
The Rabbitohs are overwhelming favourites for this game ($1.25 vs $4) with little respect given to the Sharks. On top of their inability to defeat teams above them on the ladder, the Sharks appear to have lost an edge they once possessed only a few short weeks ago. They have conceded an average of 34 points in the past 3 games (vs Warriors, Sea Eagles & Panthers), while scoring just 12.7ppg in this same period. The Rabbitohs are not unbeatable; they are a vulnerable team if pushed hard enough. For the Sharks to win, they will need a strong defensive effort which aims to control the middle, unlike their Round 1 27-18 loss to the Rabbitohs. They average more points in attack across the season (25ppg vs 26ppg) when compared to their opponents but concede a higher amount also (20ppg vs 22ppg).
The line has been set ridiculously high (12.5 points) for a game of this standing. There is every chance that the Rabbitohs will cover it but should the Sharks return to form, they could go close to winning this match. This could be largely to do with the omission of Kennedy for the Sharks, a key attacking option lost, but the Rabbitohs are not without their flaws. The preferred option is to take on a lower line; there are other, more suitable games to be involved in this weekend. On the chance that the Rabbitohs do continue the Sharks woes on the field, then they should account for a lower line option in a comfortable manner.
Rabbitohs -7.5
$1.53 (2 Units)
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Rabbitohs 5+ – Reasons for the leg are listed in the preview above.
Total Points Over 48.5 – Reasons also listed above. This game, played in ideal conditions in Perth, should facilitate a high scoring match.
Graham and Johnston 1+ Try Each – Johnston (18) and Graham (15) are the leading try scorers for the Rabbitohs and are always a threat on opposite edges of the field.
SGM Odds: $5.50 at Picklebet (0.5 Units)
