Souths got off to a flying start against the Raiders last week, running in 12 unanswered points in the first 25 minutes.
Unfortunately for the Bunnies however, that’s where it finished. They were well and truly dominated in the second half and didn’t score a point after the 26th minute, going down 24-12.
That loss marked three in-a-row for Anthony Seibold's men, who have slipped from the top spot on the ladder to third. Even with a win here, it’s unlikely they’ll finish any higher, and a loss will leave them in fourth if Cronulla gets up on the weekend.
Wests have a strong record against Souths of late, winning four of their last five encounters. The most recent was at ANZ in round 19, where the Tigers came out well on top, winning the clash 22-6.
Wins to the Broncos and the Warriors last week dashed any hope of the Tigers making the finals this season. That being said, it’s been a successful year for Ivan Cleary’s men, who were tipped by many to claim the wooden spoon.
The re-signing of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah for 2019 will be a morale booster for the Tigers’ playing group this week. Although their season ends here, they will be looking to finish their year on a high, focusing on what they can achieve next season.
R Jennings (Rabbitohs), D Britt (Rabbitohs), E Taylor (Tigers), R Rochow (Tigers)
J Tatola (Rabbitohs), T Fuimaono (Rabbitohs), J Liddle (Tigers), R Packer (Tigers)
Fine and 12 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Rabbitohs 23.1 / Tigers 16.9
Average points conceded: Rabbitohs 18.6 / Tigers 17.8
Wests have won 4 of their last 5 games against South Sydney
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Tigers have covered the line in 7 of 8 occasions as the underdog coming off a win: Tigers +9.5 @ $1.90
Cody Walker (4) leads in first try scorers this season: Cody Walker first try @ $15
Clashes at ANZ Stadium have averaged 36.3 total match points: 'Under' match line of 40.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Souths to win by a margin of 1-12 @ $2.90
Reasoning: Coming off three consecutive losses, this is a must win for the Bunnies and you'd expect them to come out firing.
The loss of Russell Packer is a big blow for the Tigers' already undersized forward pack. Expect the Bunnies forwards to dominate their opposition, opening the game up for Damien Cook to return to his best after a few lacklustre performances.
The Warriors proved themselves as a serious finals contender with a dominant 36-16 win over the Panthers in Auckland last week.
Winning three of their last four matches, New Zealand will use this game at Mt Smart as a springboard to launch a successful finals campaign. A big win here could see them finish as high as fifth on the ladder and ensure they secure a much-coveted home game for the first week of the finals.
If they are to break the Raiders' impressive win-streak, they will have to do so without star five-eighth Blake Green, who remains sidelined due to injury.
Meanwhile, Ricky Stuart has his team in season best-form, coming off back-to-back wins against top-two hopefuls the Roosters and the Rabbitohs.
It’s fair to say the return of Josh Hodgson has improved them out of sight, however the question remains; can Canberra maintain this intensity for three consecutive weeks?
Ranked first in points scored, the Raiders will need to turn on their attacking flair if they are to get a win across the ditch this week.
Don’t despair Warriors fans. Your team has proven themselves as a defensive force in the run home to the finals, conceding an average of only 12.5 points per home game since round 16.
Average points scored per game: Warriors 19.7 / Raiders 23.8
Average points conceded per game: Warriors 18.7 / Raiders 22.6
Canberra have won 4 of their last 5 games against New Zealand
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Warriors have covered the line at 60.9% this season: Warriors -4.5 @$1.90
Jordan Rapana (3) leads the Raiders in first try scorers this season: Jordan Rapanafirst try @ $10
Clashes at Mt Smart Stadium have averaged 32.4 total match points: 'Over' match line of 42.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Warriors to win by a margin of 1-12 @ $3
Reasoning: The Warriors have an opportunity to stamp themselves as genuine premiership contenders in this game. With the home ground advantage and much more to play for, expect the Warriors to get home in a close one.
The Melbourne Storm have finally got their season back-on-track with two consecutive wins in recent weeks, albeit over the lowly ranked Eels and Titans.
The equation for the Storm is simple. Win this clash against the Panthers to secure their third Minor Premiership in as many years.
This will be Billy Slater’s last regular-season home game and with so much to play for, you’d expect the Storm to be hitting top gear for this one.
Meanwhile, the Panthers’ season has all but derailed, losing their last two games to the Warriors and the Knights in dismal defensive efforts.
They will be bolstered this week by the return of their halfback and arguably best player, James Moloney, who has been sidelined to injury for their past three games.
Penrith will be eager for a win here, not wanting to head into a knock-out final off the back of three consecutive losses.
To overcome the Storm, they will need to break a 13-year AAMI hoodoo, where they haven’t beaten the Storm at home since 2005.
J Maloney (Panthers)
D Whare (Panthers)
Mostly sunny and 12 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Storm 22.6 / Panthers 21.5
Average points conceded: Storm 14.8 / Panthers 19.3
The Storm have won their last five encounters with the Panthers
Key NRL Betting Stats
Of the Storm's 16 wins 11 have been by a margin of 13+: Storm 13+ @ $2.90
Curtis Scott (2) leads Melbourne in first-try scorers this season: Curtis Scott first try scorer @ $15
Clashes at AAMI Park have averaged 44.3 total match points: 'Under' match line of 42.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip: Storm -5.5 @ $1.90
Reasoning: The Panthers' form has been ordinary for far too long and whilst the return of James Maloney will improve them, they have too much ground to make up facing the ladder leading Storm.
Aug 30, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
R Jennings (Rabbitohs), D Britt (Rabbitohs), E Taylor (Tigers), R Rochow (Tigers)
J Tatola (Rabbitohs), T Fuimaono (Rabbitohs), J Liddle (Tigers), R Packer (Tigers)
Fine and 12 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Key NRL Betting Stats
NRL Betting Tip: Souths to win by a margin of 1-12 @ $2.90 
