Roosters V Rabbitohs Preview – The Halves Will Be Key For Both Teams

2 months ago - Sportingbase

Bitter rivals, the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs will play on Saturday night to earn a place in the 2018 NRL Grand Final.

It is fitting that these two historic clubs will face each other at Allianz Stadium, previously known as the Sydney Football Stadium as they are the two Sydney sides that have been in the game since 1908. The SFS will be knocked down as they are renovating the venue. The game is expected to be a sell-out with tickets selling fast. As part of the occasion, Allianz Stadium says they will be going ‘old school’ offering $2 hotdogs for spectators, I thought a hot dog would have been about a penny back in 1908…

A big blow for the Roosters THAT could prove to be costly to their winning chances as NSW Blues center Latrell Mitchell was ruled out of the game due to suspension. He has been a revelation for the Roosters. His strength, speed and his ability to score tries under immense pressure will be missed. Latrell is currently suspended for a crusher tackle when he was playing against the Cronulla Sharks. Mitchell Aubusson will have tough shoes to fill as he replaces Mitchell in the number 3 jumper. South Sydney stalwart, Greg Inglis was under that same fate but he was free to play with an early guilty plea.

Between these two sides, it is a tipping nightmare, the sides are very even. The Roosters are currently $1.80 while the Rabbitohs are at a good price of $2.05 on Sportsbet. Through the season, the Rabbitohs drew first blood defeating the Roosters 26-14 in round 6 while the Roosters got revenge in round 22 defeating the Bunnies 18-14.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg revealed earlier this week that the NRL are still investigating the lewd incident that hovers over the Rabbitohs but has told media that the inspiring Sam Burgess will play.

Players to watch will be half-backs, Adam Reynolds and Cooper Cronk. These two players are no strangers to finals football. Both players have been involved in premiership winning teams and will be out to get another title by any means necessary. Reynolds was the shining star for the Rabbitohs last week scoring all the points but Cronk’s maturity, big game experience and leadership will prove too much for the Rabbitohs.

Some insights for the game are:

The Roosters have won 11 or their last 12 matches in NSW.
South Sydney have lost each of their last four away matches.
The Roosters have won five of their last six night matches against the Rabbitohs.
Joseph Manu has scored a try in four of Sydney’s last five night matches.
Adam Reynolds has scored a try in each of South Sydney’s last three matches in NSW.

Tip: First scorer: Greg Inglis

Roosters by 12.