South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
In arguably one of the biggest Grand Finals matches in recent years, two of the NRL strongest supported clubs face off. It has been a long road to get here, but now only 80 minutes (or more) of rugby league stands between the Rabbitohs or Bulldogs lifting the Premiership trophy for 2014. The Rabbitohs won through last week in exciting fashion against bitter rivals, the Roosters, after trailing early in the match by 12-points. At that point, the momentum was with the Roosters and the Rabbitohs desperately needed to change things. After Lote Tuqiri scored at the 20-minute mark, change occurred and they went into the break with the scores level. Their second half display completely halted the Roosters play and they were headed to their first Grand Final since 1971, once Inglis crossed in the 65th minute. Two late tries to the Roosters flattered them on the scoreboard, however it is the Rabbitohs who carry majority of the impetus into the decider. The Bulldogs had a different path, leading from start to finish against a resilient Panthers team. There were some fears held that they would again give up another lead, but they held on against a fast-finishing opponent to win the match 18-12. Problems plague both teams in the build up for this match, as the Rabbitohs are without star hooker Issac Luke (suspension) and the Bulldogs could be missing captain Michael Ennis (broken foot). Nevertheless, this match is expected to live up to expectations of the fans, with the Rabbitohs faced with the best possible opportunity to break their 43-year Premiership drought.
Team News
Rabbitohs = Hooker Issac Luke is suspended, with Apisai Koroisau named to replace him. Ben Te’o comes into the starting side and Kyle Turner shifts back to the extended bench. Ben Lowe, Luke Burgess and Bryson Goodwin are expected to miss out.
Bulldogs = Michael Ennis is named at hooker, but is in doubt with a broken foot. Moses Mbye and Reni Maitua have been added to an extended bench, with one of those players expected to come into the team if Ennis is out.
History
Overall = Rabbitohs 67 Draw 4 Bulldogs 78
Last 5 matches = Rabbitohs 3 Bulldogs 2
At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 6 Bulldogs 13
Verdict
The fact that Luke is missing from the Rabbitohs pack brings this match closer to being level. If he were present, the line and odds being offered would be more accurate. Nevertheless, the fact that Ennis could also be out hurts the Bulldogs. They are a forward-dominated team, with evidence being in their match last week, with all three tries being scored by those players. Still, the Rabbitohs have been impressive throughout the Finals series and will rely on their forwards to create a strong platform that should create extra room for their outside backs. This is one area where the two teams are separated, with the gap between the two sides evident in this area. If the Rabbitohs can gain the advantage in the middle of the field, then their halves should control the movement in the match. The Bulldogs will be ready though, having the added advantage of two “big-game” players in the halves who have proven capable this season of handling pressure. Des Hasler knows is what required of a team to win a Grand Final and the Bulldogs will also be motivated by their loss to the Storm in 2012. In saying that, there is a lingering question around their ability to produce an 80-minutes performance, after getting out to a lead and allowing their opponents back into the match. Interestingly, the Rabbitohs have only won 3 matches by a 1-12 margin this season and one of those was against the Bulldogs, with the other match up against the Dogs being a 1-point loss in Round 7. These two sides know one another well but with all things considered, the Rabbitohs should be about to make history and record their 21st Premiership, albeit by a very narrow margin.
Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3
Special Bets
First/Last Try Scorer
Rabbitohs = Alex Johnson @ $8
Bulldogs = Tim Lafai @ $11
Clive Churchill Medal (Best & Fairest)
Rabbitohs = Sam Burgess @ $4
Bulldogs = James Graham @ $8
One worth considering = Draw/Rabbitohs (HT/FT Double) @ $13 – With the match expected to be close, the two sides may head in at HT with the scores level. If this is the case and the Rabbitohs prevail as expected, then you could increase your return with this exotic investment.
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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