South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers: Preview & Prediction
Polytec Stadium should be buzzing on Saturday night. Kick-off is set for 9:30 pm in New Zealand. It feels like a game with real intrigue around it.
One side has already made a strong start. The other is still trying to show what its new-look squad can do.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney head into this clash with real belief. They opened the season with a 40-30 win over the Dolphins in Brisbane.
Their attack looked sharp and dangerous all afternoon. Alex Johnston moved to 211 career tries in that game.
Latrell Mitchell also looks far more threatening in his new centre role. David Fifita gives them extra punch on the edge, while Cody Walker still brings calm and class.
The Rabbitohs do have a few worries. Ashton Ward is out, which has forced Jayden Sullivan into the halves.
Brandon Smith is also still dealing with a calf injury. Even so, the mood around Souths is much brighter than it was last year.
Their pre-season was strong, and their opening win backed that up.
Wests Tigers
The Tigers are harder to read right now. They had the bye in Round 1, so this will be only their second game of the season.
There is talent in the squad, and the changes made over summer are interesting.
Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi give them more direction with the ball. Jahream Bula remains a major threat from the back.
Kai Pearce-Paul is also pushing to the side after missing the trials.
There are also some fresh concerns for Wests. Starford To’a is out, so teenage prospect Heamasi Makasini has shifted into the centres.
That adds excitement, but it also adds pressure. The Tigers may become a far better side this season, but they still feel a little untested.
Recent history adds another layer to this match. South Sydney lead the overall head-to-head 27 wins to 18.
Johnston has also scored heavily against the Tigers over the years. That will only boost Rabbitohs confidence coming into this one.
So, who are we backing here?
Rabbitohs vs Tigers: Best Odds
| 🏈 ️ Bookmaker | 🐇 Rabbitohs | 🐯 Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 ️ Betway | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 🏈 ️ Betcha | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 🏈 ️20 Bet | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 🏈 ️ SpinBet | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
| 🏈 ️ TAB | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
Prediction for South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers
The Rabbitohs look like the safer pick. They already have a win on the board.
Their attack is clicking, and their big names look settled. The Tigers have upside, but they still feel like a side finding its rhythm.
That can be dangerous against a team that is already playing with confidence.
Our bet is on the South Sydney Rabbitohs to win.
The Tigers should have moments, especially if Luai gets the tempo right.
But Souths look more settled and more explosive right now.
A Rabbitohs win by 6 to 10 points.
