Rabbitohs (3rd) v Roosters (1st)
The Rabbitohs have enjoyed a week off to prepare for this match against their bitter rivals, the Roosters. At some stage though, there was no certainty that they would be the team to move through, as the Cowboys clawed their way back from a 30-nil deficit to level things up in the closing minutes. There was some conjecture about the disallowed try at the end of the match, but moving past that the Roosters will be confident that they can get the job done here against a side they defeated in Round 26. Cracks in their amour are starting to appear though, with incomplete 80-minutes efforts the reason behind three recent close matches. It is never ideal at this stage of the season, but their potential as a rugby league team is there for everyone to see. The Rabbitohs performance against the Sea Eagles was impressive, however they too were guilty of switching off with a mounting lead. In saying that, a 40-point lead is vastly different to 30-point one, with the ideal plan for them to bring a high intensity to start the match. For the past two years they have been bundled out at this point in the season and they will not want to go down the same path in 2014. Their strength lies within their forwards and the battle between the two packs is going to make for brilliant viewing.
Team News
Rabbitohs = Ben Te’o returns from suspension on the extended bench, with Ben Lowe, Luke Burgess and Bryson Goodwin likely to miss out.
Roosters = Dylan Napa returns to the 17, pushing Remi Casty to 18th man.
History
Overall = Rabbitohs 109 Draw 5 Roosters 95
Last 5 matches = Rabbitohs 3 Roosters 2
At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 3 Roosters 6
Verdict
The Rabbitohs are favoured in this contest, mainly because of their effort in their last match against the Sea Eagles. However, that will mean little here against a side that defeated them a month ago. In that match, the Roosters dominated the first 60 minutes of the game at which point, the Rabbitohs finally scored some points and gained momentum to slightly come back into the contest. Make no mistake, the Roosters are a quality team that is aiming to go back-to-back and it will take a monumental effort from the Rabbitohs to turn the tide. The two sides are very close on paper and the winner of this match will have to dominate the middle of the field. With Issac Luke in career-best form and Jake Friend 1-game into a return from injury, the Rabbitohs may just be able to build the momentum needed. In saying that, the Roosters are proven at this level, whereas the Rabbitohs have fallen in the past. For the sake of the argument, I am leaning towards the visitors, but believe that the ideal betting option would be selecting either side to win by less than a converted try.
Suggested Bet
Either team under 6.5 points @ $3
Panthers (4th) v Bulldogs (7th)
The Bulldogs scraped through in golden point last week, also giving up a lead to their opponents in the second part of the match. It has been something that they have been guilty of in recent weeks, but it has not proved overly problematic just yet. They cannot afford to do the same this week as they are up against the Panthers, a team that has enjoyed a week off after a victory against the Minor Premiers. Their plan for success has been visible since last season and they are reaping the rewards sooner than expected. They will sense a great opportunity to progress to the Grand Final, having beaten the Bulldogs twice this season in thrilling matches. They have a plan that relies upon making minimal mistakes and completing their sets to build pressure on their opponents. The Bulldogs will aim to take the match to them early, rely upon their monstrous forward pack to overcome their opponents, with niggle from several players probably going to unnerve their opponents at some stage.
Team News
Panthers = Adam Docker returns to the bench, which also features Kevin Naiqama (18th) and Sam Anderson (19th).
Bulldogs = Unchanged, aside from having Harlan Alaalatoa and Moses Mbye added to an extended bench.
History
Overall = Panthers 34 Draw 3 Bulldogs 48
Last 5 matches = Panthers 3 Bulldogs 2
At ANZ Stadium = Panthers 7 Draw 1 Bulldogs 3
Verdict
Momentum is a valuable commodity in rugby league and because of the Bulldogs current run; they have edged into favouritism in most markets. People are quick to forget a bad performance, one that they produced only 3-weeks ago. Also, they have been vulnerable at certain points in recent weeks, whereby they have built a lead and have been unable to shut their opponents out of the match. It has happened in their past 3 matches and is surely a worrying sign heading into this match. The Panthers record against the Bulldogs this season speaks for itself and they will not be easy to move past. Their confidence is high and arguably have more momentum compared with the Bulldogs, after fighting back to overcome the Roosters. Some luck was involved in that result although at this level, you tend to make your own. This is why it is hard to move past the Panthers, as this team isn’t dissimilar to the one that was so courageous in their last match, arguably stronger with the return of Docker. If they can weather the early onslaught from the Bulldogs, they are going to be in a commanding position to win this match. That is the way I am leaning, as their structure is simple and relies upon minimal mistakes. The Bulldogs are capable of lapses in their performance and while Hasler will have them primed, it may just be too much for them. It will be close though, with the Tri-bet again too good to refuse.
Suggested Bet
Either team under 6.5 points @ $3
Good luck!
Scooby
Please Note:
All of the above are the opinions of the author and are not recommendations or advice. The author may not be taking every bet listed above. Bet at your own risk.
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