Two games return on Friday night with the second fixture heading to the Central Coast of New South Wales with the Rabbitohs keen to re-establish their form against the Sea Eagles, a side who is also coming off a loss. Nothing went to plan for either team last week; two desperate teams should make for an exciting contest.
With a big weekend of sporting action ahead, let’s hope to build a bank early with NRL success to carry you across to the other sports available (and covered by Before You Bet).
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Central Coast Stadium, Friday 29th April, 7:55pm (EST)
Squads
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Blake Taaffe 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Hame Sele 16. Davvy Moale 17. Liam Knight 18. Trent Peoples
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jasob Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Martin Taupau 11. Karl Lawton 12. Ehtan Bullemor 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Ben Trbojevic 16. Kurt De Luis 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Morgan Harper
Match Preview
The Rabbitohs were their own worst enemy last week against the Tigers, committing 16 total errors, missing 33 tackles, and completing at just 69%. Without taking anything away from the Tigers, the Rabbitohs are a better team than that performance suggests. The Sea Eagles were also poor, allowing the Sharks to jump to a 32-nil lead before clawing their way back to lose 34-22.
With 10 minutes remaining, there was an outside chance that they could steal victory, but they had left themselves too much to do. As good as their second half comeback was, you cannot overlook the fact they were torn apart on the edges by hard running plays (and players), while also sharing similar completion rates, errors and missed tackles with their opponents.
The Sea Eagles are still without star fullback Tom Trbojevic and after winning 2 consecutive games without him, their winning percentage is getting back to the expected level in his absence. The Rabbitohs are installed as favourites ($1.52 v $2.50) but the line is only set at 4.5 points. You can expect an improved effort from both teams, but the Rabbitohs appear to have a higher level to reach. As tough as the Sea Eagles can play, they still lack class at 9 and the defence of their outside backs is certain to gather more attention. Teams have figured out a weakness on their right edge too.
The Rabbitohs are fast enough through the middle to expose this, but it will not be as comfortable as they will like. The Sea Eagles still have quality players in their line-up and could cause an upset but the Rabbitohs within 2 converted tries is the ideal selection.
Same Game Multi:
Rabbitohs -4.5
Graham to score
Murray to score
$13.00 at Ladbrokes
Rabbitohs 1-12
$2.60 (1 Unit)
