NRL Round 26 Newcastle Knights v South Sydney Rabbitohs Preview

The final NRL round for season 2012 is here and it is definitely a time to celebrate all that is good in Rugby League. It has definitely been a season to remember and fans have been treated to a very enjoyable season. It is also time for fans to recognise the great service that some retiring players have given to their clubs and the game as a whole. Enough of the sentimental stuff though because there is a lot riding on a few games this weekend. The race is still wide open for the Top 8 as 3 teams try to take the final 2 spots. The top 6 are set but there is a lot of jousting for position between those sides that want to finish within the top 4 and receive a "second chance" in Week 2 of the Semi Finals. Not only that, there is a lot of uncertainty over which teams will face one another in Week 1. This equation is what awaits the Rabbitohs in this clash. They are currently 3rd following a dominating display against the woeful Eels and are ahead of the Sea Eagles only on points difference. They can finish as high as 3rd and as low as 5th. This is motivation enough to ensure they come into this game with the right attitude. They have a very tough task ahead of them. Yes they are playing a side in the Knights that are only playing for pride, but they are facing the Knights on "Old Boy's" day. It is a fixture that they have never previously lost on. Surely though, a spot in the Top 4 for the Rabbitohs and their drive towards the semi finals will be motivation for them to get over the line. There is a lot riding on this game and it will be a great way to start the last "full" weekend of rugby league for  2012.

Newcastle Knights
The Knights are building each week to bigger and better things for 2013 and beyond. They have obviously not fulfilled the expectations of the general public after the arrival of Wayne Bennett was announced, yet they are looking better with each performance. They have suffered their fair share of injuries as well although this is no excuse. After a good performance to push the Cowboys to another level to get the victory, you cannot help but think there is something still lacking from their side. They are without an "X-factor" that can change games in an instance and they also do not have an imposing forward pack. Their forwards will definitely be tested this week. It is a good thing for them though that they have named the same side to last week and a side that has been relatively the same for the second half of the season. It is a day where they are going to run out in front of former Knights players but they are also playing a last game for the season in front of their home fans. The loyal Newcastle people have stuck solid with their team this season and should be rewarded with a good performance and a win here.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

It was mentioned in this weeks Power Rankings, a lot of people are still questioning the potential o the Rabbitohs and their ability to be a real contender for the title. They should have had a few critics silenced with their win against the Eels as it was done in dominating fashion and they held them to only one try. They will be tested here but this is a game that should be won if they are wanting to be recognised as contenders. Their side this week has only one change to the starting side but it is in fact, the same side that started against the Eels. Eddy Pettybourne has been named to start this week and Chris McQueens has been moved back to the bench. Pettybourne will offer a lot to the starting side and a forward pack that is aiming to assert their dominance early. There is 7 players named on the bench and none is more interesting than the recall of Issac Luke who was dropped to NSW Cup for disciplinary reasons. It is a great stance taken by coach Michael Maguire that is aimed at changing the culture within the club since his arrival. It will be interesting to see if he actually does play but replacement hooker Nathan Peats has done nothing wrong is his recent appearances to be dropped. Souths also have Inglis at the back that is arguably in his career best form. He is dominating games at this point and the Rabbitohs halves need to ensure that they get the ball to him with as much room as possible.

Recent History

Overall = Knights 25 - Rabbitohs 8

Last 5 games = Knights 2 - Rabbitohs 3

At Hunter Stadium = Knights 16 - Rabbitohs 3

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Knights $2.40 Rabbitohs $1.60

Centrebet = Knights $2.30 Rabbitohs $1.65 

Sportsbet = Knights $2.45 Rabbitohs $1.57

Betfair = Knights $2.50 Rabbitohs $1.65

Verdict

The Rabbitohs destiny is in their own hands at this point. If they are going to go on and win this competition, they are going to have to win far harder games than this one. The Knights are in front of their home fans on "Old Boy's" day and they will be tough to beat. But that is exactly what the Rabbitohs need to do, win the tough games. It will be a great hit out for them ahead of the semi finals now. Don't think that the Knights will be playing for nothing, Bennett will ensure that they use this game as a momentum builder into 2013. The Rabbitohs also have a far superior pack of forwards that has outplayed this side only a few weeks ago at ANZ Stadium. Then they have a bloke at the back who is arguably one of the best players the game has ever seen. Scary thing is, he is only getting better! Souths to get a win but they'll have to work for it.

Suggested Bet

Rabbitohs @ $1.65

Close Margin = Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3.10 - Its all mentioned above about how close this game can be. Night football will also pose a bit of a problem in having a high scoring contest. You can definitely see this game being an arm wrestle until the end.

Red Hot form = Inglis First and/or Last try scorer @ $9 - He is playing very well and is finding the line with ease at the moment. No doubt the price offered here is definitely value considering the noise he is creating with each game.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips