The traditional NRL Good Friday clash descends on Homebush as the Rabbitohs host the Bulldogs. With both using this as a home ground, fans of each team are expected to turn out in large numbers. A thrilling contest is ahead; with only one win between them to begin the season, competition points is at a premium for both sides. Chaos usually reigns in this match so strap yourself in, an exhilarating 80 minutes is ahead.
As always, Before You Bet is here to preview the action and look at all possibilities, with the hope of finding you a winner or two.
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 4 Preview & Betting Tips
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Accor Stadium – Friday 29th March – 4:05pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Rabbitohs season sunk to a new low with an embarrassing 48-6 loss to their bitter rivals, the Roosters. Always delivering a fierce clash, the Rabbitohs had front-row seats to their own demise, as their opponents controlled every area of the contest. They were poor in controlling the ball (70% completion rate & 15 errors) and failed to halt their opponent’s momentum when it mattered (7 line breaks). The mistakes they made were at crucial times in their attack too. The noise around the disharmony will only grow louder with similar performances.
The Bulldogs had no such issues in their match, finally playing to their potential (consistently) for 80 minutes in their 32-0 drubbing of the Titans. A tight first half saw them lead 12-0 at the break but they released the ball in attack in the second half and they were rewarded. Possession was key for them (56%), while they will need to have more respect for the ball against the better teams than their 79% in this match. Their 8 total line breaks indicates that confidence is also growing in their attack. They are certainly a team trending in a positive direction.
Match Prediction
Given that both sides are relatively unchanged from the teams they fielded last week (only a few minor ones for the Rabbitohs), it is surprising to see the odds so heavily favoured towards the home side ($1.48 vs $2.65). The quality of opponent each has faced to start the season has undoubtedly impacted this; when pressured, the Bulldogs still have plenty of improvement before they will be considered a genuine threat. However, the execution and overall demeanour of the Rabbitohs has been poor. It has left a lot to be desired from this club and they will need a spark of some sort to get them going here. It will be far closer than the odds are suggesting. Perhaps the fact that it is their first home game of the season will count for something; they have a slight better record at this ground (57% vs 53%) and they have won 5 of the past 6 against the Bulldogs. It is also interesting to note that 3 of their past 5 matches have been decided by 8 points or less. Even if the Rabbitohs are to win this game, they are still lacking confidence in their attack and their inability to respect the ball in different parts of the field makes it difficult to invest on them (outright) with any confidence.
Either Team By 8.5 Points or Less
$2.25 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bet
All five of their past games have been high scoring contests, with an average of 61.2 points scored. With conditions expected to be clear, it will be likely that this match will take a similar course.
Tip: Total Points Over 45.5 – $2.35 at Picklebet (2 Units)
