NRL Round 21 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers Preview

This clash should be billed as "the clash that almost was, but then wasn't!". There are a whole host of stars missing from this clash through either injury or suspension that is unfortunately going to limit to excitement in this event. It has been a week in the news for the Rabbitohs and their fullback Greg Inglis after his hit on Dean Young, but many fans will be glad it is over and everyone can move on with the on field action. Rabbitohs fans should look at the positives of the situation as they will now have Inglis refreshed and injury free for their final few matches leading into the semi finals. For what it is worth, the tackle didn't look too good and dangerous contact was made at the end fo the tackle (first contact was made with the head). It was certainly wrong to grade it at a grade 5 and 3 weeks does seem a little much, 2 would've been fine. The main problem fans will have though is the inconsistency. But the NRL show rolls along. Coupled with the suspension of hooker Isaac Luke and things are definitely not looking too good for the Rabbitohs in weeks to come. Across the western side of Sydney though and things are not much better for the Tigers. They have a whole host of players that are suffering injuries from their clash against the Cowboys and are desperately scrambling around to just put a side on the paddock. It was a fast paced game and a very good game of attacking football for fans to watch. But it wore the Tigers players out after they were reduced to just one player on the bench. Now more than ever, their character is going to be tested. I have mentioned for weeks now that this is the part of the season where the Tigers switch on a make a spirited run for the finals on the back of some enormous momentum. Yet things are not going according to plan just yet. So the Tigers fans and the rest of the NRL competition are sitting and waiting for them to switch on. This is going to be another important game this weekend that will impact on the makeup of the Top 8, it's just a shame that so manny quality players will be missing. Don't be fooled though, their replacements will be out with a point to prove!

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Souths went straight out and didn't named Greg Inglis as he was always going to plead guitly, just attempting to get a downgrade on the situation. Nathan Merritt moves back to fullback and while he is no Greg Inglis, he is more than capable of filling the role for the next 3 weeks. Merritt's vacant spot on the wing is taken by Justin Hunt who debuted this year on the wing. Luke Burgess has been demoted to the bench and Eddy Pettybourne will start in the front row. But those are the only two changes. They do have an extended bench of 6 and two players will drop off before kickoff. It is now an interesting time for Souths as they must prove themselves without two of their best players. They have a host of players who have some good experience and they will definitely need to stand up now and take the reins of a team that would not want to slip out of the "all important" Top 4. Their forwards still have a lot of size and mobility to them and perhaps the Rabbitohs will look to play the game here, to their strength.

Wests Tigers

With the quick turn around from MNF, there is no surprise that with a host of injuries to key players, the Tigers named exactly the same team that took on the Cowboys. So, take absolutely no notice of it. In that game, Tim Moltzen was ruled out with a hamstring injury before kickoff, Chris Lawerence went down with an ankle injury and Ben Murdoch-Masila was carried off with a leg injury. Now there is news surfacing that their playmaker Benji Marshall may also be ruled out with an injury. So where does that leave the Tigers? A lot of players will have to lift for them but it would be a positive that their forward pack was able to remain relatively healthy. You need to pay attention to breaking news on the final team and it will be listed on my twitter feed as soon as news comes to hand. The Tigers fans would be worried as the pressure is definitely on them and they aren't in a position on the table that would allow them to relax and take their foot off the gas. 

Recent History

Overall = Rabbitohs 10 - Tigers 9

Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 4 - Tigers 1

At ANZ Stadium = Rabbitohs 2 - Tigers 3

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.30 Tigers $3.60

Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.28 Tigers $3.85

Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.28 Tigers $3.80

Betfair = Rabbitohs $1.33 Tigers $3.65

Verdict
The Tigers have an uphill battle here. In saying that so do Souths. They will have to learn to win without two of their best players. But this game will be won and lost in the forward pack. The Tigers still do have a very good forward pack capable of taking it to the Rabbitohs but the Bunnies possess great firepower coming off the bench that will be able to maintain the high intensity that is set early by them. Other players in the Souths side will now also have great responsibility and need to lead the team around the park. It isn't a forgone conclusion like some bookmakers are suggesting so be wary when you are placing your margin bets.

Suggested Bet
Rabbitohs @ $1.33 (with Betfair)


Margin surprise = Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3.20 - It's mentioned above that I believe that this game will be closer than most think and the Rabbitohs will still win but only 1-12. There is plenty of value on offer too.


Try Scoring Success = Nathan Merritt First ($7) and/or Last ($7) - He saluted last week when he scored the last try and delivering a few people a good success. He is moving back to the role of fullback which can only enhance his chances of scoring either first or last.


Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips