South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Prediction: 11/5 bet says the Bunnies roll on
The biggest rivalry in Australian rugby league resumes on Friday when the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium in the NRL Premiership (10:00 BST, 20:00 local).
The Bunnies have surprised a few with their 3-1 start to the season, while the Roosters have had a hugely disappointing opening despite their shock win over the Penrith Panthers. Below are my South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters predictions, with full team news and Betfred’s match odds.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Betting Tips
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Odds
With three wins from four under their belts so far it comes as little surprise to find the Rabbitohs posted as odds-on favourites to win the local derby on Friday.
They’re a 4/6 shot in the match-winner market, making the home win an implied 60% probability, while they’re 20/21 in the standard two-way handicap when handed a 2.5-point disadvantage.
The Roosters, on the other hand, are 5/4 for the win and can be backed at 5/6 in the handicap with that 2.5-point start in their favour.
If you fancy the 80-minute draw, that can be picked up at 18/1, implying a 5.3% chance of the game going to golden-point extra-time.
Team News
Latrell Mitchell is back after a hamstring injury in the biggest piece of team news of the Rabbitohs’ season so far.
The brilliant Kangaroos superstar has been out of action since last July, and his return is a huge boost to Wayne Bennett’s troops.
The former Rooster will come in at centre, with Jye Gray remaining at full-back, while Isaiah Tass is listed on the wing in the place of Alex Johnston, who has a rib problem.
Lachlan Hubner slots in at loose forward after serving a suspension, with Tallis Duncan dropping to the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Stats
- The Roosters have won the last two meetings at Accor Stadium between these two sides, having lost all of the previous four at Stadium Australia
- The Rabbitohs have 11 straight home wins to their name under Wayne Bennett over his two spells in charge since a 50-0 loss to the Melbourne Storm at Accor in 2021
Billy Smith is a late addition for the Roosters after Mark Nawaqanitawase was forced to withdraw with a calf problem. Smith hasn’t played since 2023, but slots in at left centre.
Connor Watson returns after concussion protocols, pushing Zach Dockar-Clay to the bench and Hugo Savala out of the squad entirely. Meanwhile, Salesi Foketi comes in after suspension and Lindsay Collins is included at prop.
There’s no Victor Radley, with the England 13 out with a cheekbone issue. He’s replaced by Nat Butcher.
Rabbitohs by 1-12 points @ 11/5
I like the look of this price. The Rabbitohs have had a solid start to the season without blowing sides away.
Yes, they blasted their way to a 28-point half-time lead against the Panthers in round four, but a second-half rally reduced their winning margin to 10.
The Roosters have tightened up since the first couple of rounds, even if they have lost their last two. A narrow 14-6 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand was followed by a disappointing 30-12 defeat at home to the Gold Coast Titans after which coach Trent Robinson will be expecting a big response.
So I expect this one to be close, even if I am backing the Bunnies to get the two competition points. And the 11/5 being offered by Betfred for a narrow Rabbitohs win looks very appealing.
That price implies a 31.3% probability, but results so far make me think this has a real chance.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Under 42.5 Total Points @ 13/8
After last week, there has to be an emphasis on defence for the Roosters. Conceding 30 at home to the Titans is not the form of a side wanting to make a dent in the competition, and Robinson will be keen for his team to tighten up.
After conceding 82 in the opening two rounds they were far tougher to break down at Mount Smart in round three when going down 14-6, and it’s that kind of reaction I’m expecting from them in this one.
The Rabbitohs have no issue getting into an arm-wrestle, and I’m thinking the rivalry will make the match-up an even tenser occasion. So don’t expect this one to be a you-score, we-score kind of contest.
The 13/8 on offer is generous given the likelihood that defence will be a focus for both sides.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.
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