The 3pm main game on Sunday has the Rabbits taking a trip across to the Dragons Kograh home ground. One of the great suburban grounds out there and this match it sure to live up to the expectations. Again, this contest is limited as both teams are missing a host of players through SOO duty and injury, nonetheless, the two teams still have relatively strong lineups. I know it isn't even halfway through the season yet, but this is a big game for both teams in terms of which path they take for the rest of the season.
St George Illawarra Dragons - WLWWLLWWLL (Streak - 2 Losses)
The Dragons have a point to prove. After a MNF defeat at the hands of Penrith, they will be looking to bounce back and give s strong performance in this one. They will have to do so with a lot of changes made to their lineup from last week. Trent Merrin and Ben Creagh are out due to SOO selection and their still is a cloud hanging over Jamie Soward after he was a late withdrawal last week. He has been named and I am lead to believe that he will play because with so many other key players out, they can ill-afford to lose a play maker. There is also a whisper around that Beau Scott may make an early return from injury. They have named Jermey Latimore at prop, as well as Jake Marketo and Leeson Ah Mau in the second row. Cameron King comes onto an extended bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs - LLWLWWLWWB (Streak - 2 wins)
First and foremost, the Rabbitohs suffer two major set backs. Star players Greg Inglis and David Taylor are taken to SOO and their presence would definitely lead one to back the Bunnies 110%. But Souths do not lose too must by moving Nathan Merritt to fullback in place of Inglis. Obviously there is a major divide between the two in terms of ability, but many believe that Merritt is the unluckiest player not to be picked for SOO. He is in the 3 week of a return from injury and is beginning to get into the swing of things. Souths also are boost by the return of pommy import Sam Burgess to the team. Although he did play against the Sharks two weeks ago, he now moves into the starting team. Nathan Peats has been named on an extended bench.
Recent History
Last 5 - Dragons 3 wins Rabbitohs 2 wins
At WIN Jubilee - Dragons 2 Rabbitohs 0
Odds
TAB Sportsbet - Dragons $2.05 Rabbitohs $1.80
Centrebet - Dragons $1.91 Rabbitohs $1.91
Sportsbet - Dragons $1.94 Rabbitohs $1.90
Verdict
The Rabbits are the stronger team going into this one. I did make a point when analysing the Cowboys v Penrith game that the MNF-itis curse could strike. It is definitely hard to back up from the Monday game, if anything, it will act as a catalyst for the Dragons in spurring them into better performances. This is due to their poor performance against Penrith on Monday. Regardsless, Souths will have the benefit of the week off and although they are missing two key players, they still retain a strong pack of forwards. This includes one of the best hookers this year Isaac Luke leading them up the middle.
Suggested Bet
Souths +1.5 @ $1.75
or (for value)
Souths 7-12 @ $6.25
Good luck!
Scooby
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