The Rabbits were ticking over nicely until they ran into the Sea Eagles last week, where they went down in one of the round's three golden point games.
And while they will be glad to play a home game, the venue here is the Sunshine Coast, which is an unknown factor for NRL punters.
What is known is the Warriors away record. They are generally woeful this side of the ditch, and will need to improve off last week's win over the Titans to have any hope here.
Why Rabbitohs can win
South Sydney's fearsome forward pack were contained by Manly in Round 4, with a few not having their best games.
One of these was George Burgess, who missed 6 tackles in his 2019 return.
With that game under his belt, look for a massive improvement from George Burgess, who'll look to match it with his big-bopper brothers Tom and Sam.
But where the Bunnies have a big advantage is in the halves. Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker have been lethal this year, and should have too much creativity for a shoddy New Zealand defence.
Why Warriors can win
The Kiwi outfit were good last week, overcoming the Titans by 16 points in an accomplished display.
Young five-eight Chanel Harris-Tevita had a big debut game, making 5 tackle busts and proving he's a handy kick at goal.
However, Warriors fans shouldn't get too excited. Remember, they went down by 28 and 34 points in their two away games in 2019.
A massive improvement is needed, and based on what we've seen so far, it's looking unlikely.
Key NRL Stat
New Zealand have lost 4 consecutive away games: Souths to win @ $1.33
NRL Betting Tip: Rabbitohs to cover the -8.0 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: After what the Warriors have dished up on the road so far, this bet looks like a steal.
Manly's win in Round 4 was the classic example of a bittersweet result.
DCE kicked a superb field goal to win the game in Golden Point, after star fullback Tom Trbojevic tore his hamstring.
The Knights need a win after losing 3 of their opening 4. Against a Turbo Tom-less Manly, there's no excuses here.
Why Knights can win
In an illuminating NRL stat, the Knights have lost their 3 games this campaign by a combined points total of just 9.
This shows that they've been in every contest, and just fallen short each time.
While the Knights defence has been on song, it's been their attack that has come up short, having failed to score more than 2 tries in a game this year.
Ponga was switched back to fullback last time, and this looked a good move. He laid on two perfect passes to set up both of Newcastle's tries.
If the Knights can find four-pointers from somewhere else, then they are one step away from becoming a serious team.
Why Sea Eagles can win
After a slow start to the season, the Sea Eagles have clicked under Des Hasler.
Two impressive wins back-to-back and Des and Manly will be confident of making it three, despite losing Trbojevic.
Starting props Addin Fonua-Blake and Martin Taupau have been massive in these two wins.
Against the Bunnies last time, these two were the two biggest metre-eaters on the park.
If they can continue to lay a good platform, then a confident DCE can engineer a win for the visitors.
Key NRL Stat
The previous 3 match-ups between these side have been decided by a margin of 6 points or less: Either team to win by 6 points or less @ $2.70
NRL Betting Tip: Knights to cover the -4.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: After four solid performances, Newcastle look ready to make the jump to the next level.
The 2016 premiers host the reigning champs here, in what is shaping up as the game of the round.
The Sharks will need to lift to get the win, after being beaten by Parramatta last time.
The return of favourite son Paul Gallen, as well as playing back at Shark Park will give them a big boost.
Sydney meanwhile are looking the goods once again, and will be confident of making it four straight here.
Why Sharks can win
There's plenty of positives Cronulla can take heading into this clash.
Not just Gallen but Shaun Johnson will return to the side after he was ruled out minutes before the warm-up last week with calf tightness.
At the newly re-named PointsBet Stadium, in front of a vocal Shire crowd, look for the Sharkies to give absolutely everything in their quest to stop the Chooks.
If Cronulla return to the form of two weeks ago that saw them trounce the Cowboys by 26, then they'll prove hard to beat at home.
Why Roosters can win
After their opening round loss to Souths, the Roosters have been the best team in 2019.
Luke Keary has emerged as an origin contender after stellar performances in both the number 6 and 7 jerseys, while James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell continue to prove they are among the best backs in the league.
Last week they were close to perfect when they thumped Brisbane by 32.
With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves back after missing that game, the Roosters will only be harder to get past this time.
Only a big dip in form will see them taste defeat here.
Key NRL Stat
The Sharks have won their past 4 home games: Cronulla to win @ $2.75
NRL Betting Tip: Cronulla to cover the +6.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: As good as the Roosters have been, this is a big line given the Sharks great record at home.
Apr 13, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key NRL Stat
NRL Betting Tip: Rabbitohs to cover the -8.0 point line @ $1.90
2018 media tipster champ: Souths
