You may need to change Good Friday to Great Friday this weekend as the NRL action promises to be electric. The opening match of a double header will take place in Sydney as the traditional fixture between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs takes centre stage. Each will be out to prove a point in this match, and it sets the stage for an exciting contest. Before You Bet is here to add to your enjoyment with a detailed preview of the match, with the aim of finding you a winner or two along the way.
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2026 NRL season, so make sure to head over to our NRL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 5 2026
Doing enough but must be better
It’s been a crazy start to the season for the Rabbitohs, so the Bye came at a great time. Prior to that, they were determined and overcame the spirited Tigers 20-16 in a victory which is proving to be better than it looks following recent results. Despite having just 46% possession and completing at 75%, they managed 4 tries and averaged 9.1m per carry. They had every right to lose that match as they made fewer PCM’s and missed 42 tackles. The fact that they didn’t says a lot about the potential within this team and they must prove that to be correct with a positive performance here.
Woeful Dogs continue to have attacking woes
The Bulldogs suffered an upset 24-16 home loss to the Knights last week in yet another sign that this team has plenty of development ahead of them if they’re to be a genuine title contender. Yet again, their attack was poor in scoring just 16 points. However, it more alarming signs, their defence was also poor. Statistically, they had an advantage with 51% possession and a 79% completion rate underpinned by 9.5m per carry and 7 line breaks. Unfortunately, they weren’t supported by the 57 missed tackles. This is an alarming sign and hopefully, it can be put down to an ‘off’ performance, but it is one they will want to quickly overcome with a strong performance here.
Stats that matter
- The Bulldogs have won 3 of the past 4 matches against the Rabbitohs but only 1 of the past 8 Good Friday matches.
- The Bulldogs have struggled in attack this season, averaging just 15ppg compared to the Rabbitohs 26ppg. The Rabbitohs have conceded more points defensively though, allowing 24ppg while the Bulldogs average 15ppg.
- The past 5 matches have been vastly different outcomes; 3 have been decided by 6 points or less with 2 30+ victories. This has left the average margin sitting at 16 points, with the total points averaging out to be 48.8 points.
A thrilling contest awaits
The Rabbitohs enter this game with one of the strongest teams they have fielded in recent seasons, coinciding with the inclusion of Graham. It will be interesting to see how this works for them. The Bulldogs have busily been addressing their own issues this week with their attack; a catalyst needs to be injected for this to change. Perhaps the inclusion of Xerri is an indication that they might move Crichton again. This would create a lack of consistency within this team, and players need to first address their defensive issues. The Rabbitohs have a unique ability to generate points from anywhere on the field and if the Bulldogs are conceding a large total against the Knights, that could spell trouble for them in this contest. It’s not that one win should immediately change a team’s potential though. If the Bulldogs focus on their defence, they may drag their opponents into a grinding contest which favours the visitors.
There are many potential outcomes in this match, increasing the uncertainty of a selection. As there is a slight lean towards the home side in this contest, take them to cover the low line which is on offer. As there are better matches to invest on this weekend, keep your stake low.
Rabbitohs -1.5
$1.90 (1.5 units)
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 46.5 – see above for justification of this bets inclusion.
Leg 2 = Fifita to score – A powerful ball runner, Fifita is yet to cross the line this year. He is a talented player though and like playing the Bulldogs, scoring 2 tries from his only two matches at this ground, both of which were against the Bulldogs.
Leg 3 = Johnston to score – The ‘man of the moment’, Johnston has slowed down after his amazing achievement. He has form on the board under these circumstances too with 6 tries in his past 5 matches against the Bulldogs and 10 tries from his past 5 matches at this ground.
SGM Odds = $7.10 at Dabble
Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 3rd April
Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Time: 4:05pm (AEDT)
Odds: Rabbitohs $1.87 vs Bulldogs $1.95
Line: -1.5
Points: 47.5
Where to Watch Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs
Watch the Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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