Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Predictions: Bunnies can maintain play-off hopes

There's plenty to play for at the GIO Stadium on Sunday as the Canberra Raiders host the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with both teams pushing for a playoff spot (09:15 BST, Sky Sports Arena). 

The Raiders are 10th in the table, but only four points off the top five, while the Bunnies are down in 14th. However, interim coach Ben Hornby has his team playing some good rugby, and they are only four points away from the top eight ahead of their trip to the capital. 

Rugby League Odds

Team News 

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart sticks with the same 17 who beat the New Zealand Warriors 20-18 last week, meaning Adam Cook is once again the 18th man, while Zac Woolford is also named on the reserves list. 

The Bunnies are still without captain Cameron Murray due to suspension, while Latrell Mitchell remains sidelined with a foot injury. 

Rabbitohs ace Richie Kennar drops out with a head injury, so Michael Chee moves to the centres and Jacob Host comes into the back row. Fletcher Myers and Shaq Mitchell were retained in the squad when it was cut to 19 on Saturday. 

Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Odds

Canberra's home advantage has them installed as the 8/13 favourites for Sunday's meeting at the GIO Stadium, while the draw is 20/1. The Rabbitohs are 7/5 to pick up the win on the road, while we have boosted over 58.5 points to 5/2 from 9/4.  

The Raiders are 20/21 to cover the -4 handicap, while odds of 4/5 are available for them to win the first half. 

South Sydney Rabbitohs to win @ 7/5

Hornby's team have won six of their last seven matches to keep their play-off dreams alive, but they will need to be at their best to win this week. 

Without Murray and Mitchell, the Rabbitohs will have to dig deep, especially considering they have lost four of their last five games against the Raiders. 

However, while home advantage is usually crucial in the NRL, but the Raiders are 10-9 at the GIO Stadium in the last two seasons, suggesting they are vulnerable, and the value lies with the Bunnies this weekend. 

Under 50.5 points @ 5/6 

Both teams try to suffocate their opponents during matches, with Canberra happy to get into an arm wrestle and grind out results. 

The Rabbitohs have relied on some powerful defence in recent weeks, which has helped them dominate possession. 

There's every chance the tactics cancel each other out, and it would not be a surprise to see a low-scoring match. 

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.