NRL Preview: Rabbitohs v Tigers

NRL Preview
South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
Friday, March 3, 8.05pm (AEDT), ANZ Stadium, Sydney

New Rabbitohs recruit Robbie Farah would have circled this fixture against his former club once the draw was announced. The Rabbitohs will be without halfback Adam Reynolds to kick off the season, bringing the Tigers right into this contest. Tigers halves Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks didn’t feature in either of the Tigers trials and will need to shake off the rust early.

History

The Tigers have won three-straight against the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium and won both clashes in 2016. They won 30-22 in Round 9, with Jordan Rankin crossing for a double and won the Round 14 clash 30-14. Tigers outside backs David Nofoaluma and Kevin Naiqama scored in both of the clashes last season.

Form

South Sydney were terribly disappointing in the Nines going winless and then went down to Manly 22-16 before a convincing Charity Shield victory over St George Illawarra on the back of an incredible one-two hooker punch. The Bunnies won 32-14. The Tigers didn’t get past the group stage of the Nines and then lost trials to St George Illawarra and North Queensland to cap off a fruitless trial season.

Key Matchup

Greg Inglis v James Tedesco. Inglis will revert to the No.1 jersey after stints in the halves last season and is at his damaging best when he has open space at the back. Tedesco got a taste of State Of Origin in 2016 and will be hoping for an injury-free season after breaking his jaw late last season against the Titans.

Stats That Matter

Wests Tigers have posted 30-plus in three straight against South Sydney. Souths have won and covered four straight season openers while the Tigers have covered just one of their last six. Souths are 14-21 ATS at ANZ since 2014 with an 11-15 ATS record in night games at the ground. The Tigers are 9-4 ATS at the ground at night and 13-9 ATS overall since 2014. As a small outsider at ANZ the Tigers are 5-2 ATS.

Final Thoughts

The Wolf thinks the Tigers can spring the upset in this one. Adam Reynolds is a massive out for the Rabbitohs. The Tigers have posted 30+ points in their last three wins over the Rabbitohs and look to have more points in them against the Reynolds-less Rabbitohs.

Daily SpecialsRobbie Rabbit – Robbie Farah to score a try ($10)

How It’s Shaping Up
Wests by 4

Best BetWests +3.5 ($1.90)

Other Recommended Bets
Wests ($2.25)
Over 40.5 ($1.88)