The Sydney Roosters have decided to rest many of their big names for Friday morning’s showdown with oldest rivals the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.
James Tedesco, Billy Smith, Rob Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson and Siua Wong will play no part in this Sydney derby, with the Roosters already locking in a top-four place.
Souths will confirm a home elimination final if they defeat the Roosters and it’s little wonder the Bunnies have named a strong side and will be going all out for the victory in Jai Arrow's 100th game as a Rabbitoh.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters Tips Summary
Best Bet - South Sydney Rabbitohs -21.5 handicap @ 1.86
Alternative Bet - Alex Johnston first tryscorer @ 5.00
Bet Builder - Campbell Graham, Latrell Mitchell and Jye Gray anytime tryscorers @ 6.75
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters Prediction
Best Bet: South Sydney Rabbitohs -21.5 handicap @ 1.86
While the Roosters already have their eyes on the finals, the Rabbitohs know they have work to do to wrap up that home elimination game.
This might well prove to be a one-sided affair, as experienced Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has the opportunity to bring up his 600th win in the NRL.
With the Bunnies winning four of their last five home games and the Roosters currently on a two-game losing streak, Souths are fancied to cover the handicap at Allianz Stadium.
Alternative Bet: Alex Johnston first tryscorer @ 5.00
Hitting outstanding form at an important stage of the season, look to Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston to get his side off to a flying start with the opening try on Friday morning.
Johnston has scored 10 tries in his last nine games at Allianz Stadium and he’s good value to bag that first try in this encounter.
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters Bet Builder Tip
Campbell Graham anytime tryscorer
Latrell Mitchell anytime tryscorer
Jye Gray anytime tryscorer
Pays 6.75
This three-fold Bet Builder focuses on the anytime tryscorer market, with Campbell Graham, Latrell Mitchell and Jye Gray all fancied to go over for the Rabbitohs on Friday.
Looking back on their last five appearances, Graham has four tries in that time, while Mitchell went one better with five.
Gray has scored tries in two of his last three matches for the Bunnies first team and all three are backed to touch down against this weakened Roosters' side on Friday.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
The Sydney Roosters have won six of their last seven games against the South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs have won four of their last five home games in the NRL
The Roosters are on a four-game winning streak away from home
The Roosters are currently on a two-game losing streak after defeats against Wests Tigers and the Dolphins
This will be the 237th meeting between these foundation clubs
Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
