Last week, the Bulldogs continued their miserable season with an eleventh-hour loss to the Raiders.
The Dogs, in full control until the 72nd-minute, took the two from a penalty to go to a 14-point lead, with only eight minutes left to play.
In one of the most impressive come-from-behind wins you'll ever see, the Raiders managed to score three converted tries in the last five minutes to seal the win.
It will take a huge effort from the Dogs squad this week to bounce back from that heartbreaking loss.
Similarly, Souths were far from their best in their last outing in Cairns against the Cowboys, although they did manage to scrape in a win with a one-point victory.
The bye couldn't have come quicker for the Bunnies, who looked a little burnt out against the North Queenslanders.
A one-point victory heading into the bye, could prove to be the perfect springboard for the Bunnies as they chase down that minor premiership.
The Bunnies will feel the loss of captain Greg Inglis, however his replacement Hymel Hunt has scored four tries from ten games this season.
David Klemmer (Bulldogs) Hymel Hunt (Rabbitohs) Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs)
Greg Eastwood (Bulldogs) Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) Jason Clark (Rabbitohs)
Mostly sunny and 14 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Bulldogs 17.1 / Rabbitohs 25.1
Average points conceded: Bulldogs 21 / Rabbitohs 17.4
Souths have won 3 of their last 5 games against Canterbury
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Bunnies have covered the line in close to 70% of their games this season: Souths -11.5 @ $1.90
Cody Walker (3) leads the Bunnies in first try scorers this season: Cody Walker first try scorer @ $15
Clashes at ANZ Stadium have averaged 35.1 total match points: Under match line of 41.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip : Bulldogs to cover the line of +11.5 @ $1.90
Reasoning: The Dogs will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon. Expect them to stay in the contest for the most part.
A new look Canterbury line up have scored an average of 32 points per game in their last two outings. If they can break 20 points in this game, it's difficult to see them getting beaten at the line.
Souths may take some time to hit top gear off the bye, and although they are deserved favourites, the line looks too much for the Bunnies to overcome.
Missed our preview of the Friday night games?Read it here
This is shaping up as a grudge match of monumental proportions in what is a rivalry which stretches just over ten years.
The Sea Eagles dominated the Storm in Round 11 with a 20-point win at AAMI Park, however Melbourne were without captain Cameron Smith leading them around the park.
That game produced some intense, spiteful moments, most notably Storm centre Curtis Scott fracturing Dylan Walker's eye socket with a right hook.
To add to the usual boisterous atmosphere at Brookvale Oval, expect Manly fans to give Scott a rowdy reception on Saturday night.
Last week, Manly impressed with a win at the foot of the mountains against the Panthers and will be fresh off the back of a bye.
The Storm on the other hand are coming off a high scoring battle with the Dragons. Both teams have all origin stars listed to back-up and take the field.
Billy Slater (Storm) Will Chambers (Storm) Josh Addo-Carr (Storm) Cameron Munster (Storm) Felise Kaufusi (Storm) Tim Glasby (Storm) Jesse Bromwich (Storm)
Cheyse Blair (Storm) Young Tonumaipea (Storm) Ryley Jacks (Storm) Brodie Croft (Storm) Tui Kamikamica (Storm) Albert Vete (Storm) Patrick Kaufusi (Storm)
Fine and 13 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Points scored per game: Sea Eagles 19.9 / Storm 24.1
Points conceded per game: Sea Eagles 23.4 / Storm 15.8
The Storm have won 5 from 8 away from home in 2018
Key NRL Betting Stats
Of the Storm's 11 wins, 9 have been by a margin of 13+: Storm 13+ @ $2.80
The Sea Eagles have covered the line in 44% of their games this season: Storm -5.5 @$1.90
Clashes at Lottoland this season have averaged 44 total match points: Over match line of 41.5 points @ $1.90
NRL Betting Tip : Storm to win by a margin of 1-12 @ $2.90
Reasoning: With DCE and the Trbojevic brothers coming off career-best performances in Origin, expect them to put up a big fight as they look to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Storm is a genuine premiership contender and with Smith, Slater and Munster leading the way, they should prove too strong in a close fought game.
Canberra kept their footy finals hopes alive in a come-from-behind win over the Bulldogs last week. Ricky Stuart's men can't afford any more scares in the run home to the finals however and will need to be at their attacking best to take care of the Cowboys this week.
North Queensland is on the verge of one of the biggest form reversals ever seen. Last year’s runners-up are a team down on confidence and a genuine chance of winning the wooden spoon.
They will do it tough in the nation's capital with temperatures set to hit zero degrees before full-time - a far cry from their usual playing climate in Rockhampton.
This match will be an intriguing battle. The Raiders have proven themselves to be one of the top attacking teams in the NRL and similarly, the Cowboys defence has been solid, sitting 9th in points conceded and 3rd in run metres conceded.
Jordan Rapana (Raiders) Josh Papalii (Raiders) Luke Bateman (Raiders) John Asiata (Cowboys)
This table highlights how impressive the Raiders have been in attack this season. Surprisingly, they rank second in the league for most of the key point scoring statistical metrics.
Coach Ricky Stuart will be ruing their defensive efforts this season, which has clearly been the catalyst for their underwhelming position on the ladder.
Key NRL stats
Average points scored: Raiders 24.1 / Cowboys 16.4
Average points conceded: Raiders 21.9 / Cowboys 20.3
Watch for Nick Crotric to cross the line, he has scored 9 tries in his last 8 games.
Key NRL Betting Stats
The Raiders have scored the first try in 62.5% of their games.
The Cowboys have won 2 of 8 on the road this season.
Of the Cowboys 12 losses, 9 have been by a margin of 1-12.
NRL Betting Tip: Raiders to win by a margin of 1-12 @ $3.00
Reasoning: Canberra will be on a high off the back of last week’s win. The inclusion of Rapana is a huge boost for the Raiders who will see every game from here on, a must win.
Last year’s grand-finalists are playing for pride and with the wooden spoon a real threat, expect the Cowboys to dig in.
However, the Raiders do have the Cowboys covered in all aspects of attack and will prove too strong at home, especially in the cold.
Jul 14, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
David Klemmer (Bulldogs) Hymel Hunt (Rabbitohs) Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs)
Greg Eastwood (Bulldogs) Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) Jason Clark (Rabbitohs)
Mostly sunny and 14 degrees.
Key NRL stats
Key NRL Betting Stats 
NRL Betting Tip : Bulldogs to cover the line of +11.5 @ $1.90 
