NRL Round 9 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Cronulla Sharks Preview

Monday night footy again delivers with what many people are saying is the "game of the round".  Thus far the round has pretty much gone to plan for tipsters, but tonights match definitely delivers a curve ball for punters looking to make some money on the game.

South Sydney Rabbitohs - LLWLWWLW (streak - 1 win)
Souths have almost come back into form after an adequate win last week against the North Queensland Cowboys.  After 20 mins of the game, they were winning 20-nil! But couldn't go on with theirThey were boosted last week with the return of speedy winger Nathan Merritt to their line up and again, have an unchanged line up.  Coach Michael Maguire has been fairly consistent with the naming of his squad each week.  He does like to build continuity within his squad.  There is the possibility that Sam Burgess could be a late inclusion to the team, but it does seem as though that would be a foolish decision considering the Bunnies have the bye the following week.

Cronulla Sharks - LLWWWWWW (streak - 6 wins)
The Sharks have been on a role in recent weeks making it 6 wins in a row! The recent was a dominating display in the nations capital against the Canberra Raiders.  Whilst Canberra haven't been a stand out side this year, it is a difficult road trip down there and Sharks teams of the past will have been likely to lose a game like that. However, this is a different Sharks team and with Todd Carney at 6 and the Gal-train leading from the front as always.  Just a side note, Gallen is on course to smash NRL records for the most metres gained in a single season.

Recent History
Souths have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams.
At ANZ Stadium: 4 Games = Souths 3 Cronulla 1

Odds -
TAB Sportsbet - South Sydney $1.75 Cronulla $2.10
Centrebet - South Sydney $1.67 Cronulla $2.25

Verdict
This is a very tricky game! As I stated on my twitter feed, I am staying away from this game.  But for my tipping comps, I went the Rabbitohs.  They have the better backline on paper and I think that's where this game can be won.  Both forwards will be embroiled in a tough contest and it will be thrilling to watch, but the Sharks may be let down by their ability to finish against a superior defensive team out wide.  In saying that Souths have had more tries scored against them this year.

Suggested Bet - Souths 1-12

Good luck!

Scooby