South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 NRL Round 27 Match Preview

⏰ 1 September 2023 - 20:00 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Accor Stadium

One of rugby league's most fierce rivalries will be renewed when the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Sydney Roosters in a blockbuster Friday night NRL clash. The match between the two arch-enemies will kick off at 8 pm AEST on 01/09/2023 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Based on odds compiled from 3 different Aussie bookies, the bookmakers have installed the Souths as narrow $1.79 favourites to beat the Roosters in front of what is sure to be a packed crowd.

With just two points separating them on the ladder, this looms as a tight contest between the neighbouring foes. Their famous grudge will add extra spice on Friday night as the Rabbitohs and Roosters do battle once again.

For the Bunnies, it's simple - win and you're in the finals. For the Roosters, they need to win and hope either the Cowboys or Raiders slip up. As if this rivalry needed any more spice! It's been a disappointing year for both heavyweight clubs. Souths started red-hot but have fallen away badly in recent months, losing eight of their last 12.

Off-field dramas and rumours of unrest between players and staff have engulfed the Bunnies, while they've leaked 30+ points eight times since May. Latrell Mitchell is also suspended for their most important game.

Meanwhile, the Roosters still aren't completely clicking, but they're enjoying their best patch of the season. They come into this one on a four-game winning streak. It hasn't been the toughest run against the Sea Eagles, Dolphins, Eels and Tigers, but the Roosters have won all by double-digits, which is encouraging.

Big boost for the Roosters with James Tedesco returning, while Joey Manu has also been named despite a hamstring issue. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is suspended though, with Angus Crichton coming in.

Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Head-to-Head

The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters have enjoyed an extremely even and intense rivalry in recent head-to-head clashes. Over the last 8 years, these bitter foes have met a staggering 19 times, with the Roosters winning 10 of those fiery contests and Souths claiming victory in 9 matches. Neither club has been able to establish a sustained period of dominance, with the ledger sitting at 10-9 in favour of the tri-colours over the past 8 seasons. With none of their recent 19 matchups ending in a draw, the latest chapter of the Rabbitohs-Roosters grudge match shapes as another classic contest between the two heavyweights. Their storied rivalry will add extra feeling when they clash on Friday night.

Rabbitohs Performance

🟥🟩🟥🟩🟥 The South Sydney Rabbitohs come into this match with mixed form, having won just 2 of their past 5 games. With 3 losses in their last 5 outings, the Rabbitohs have struggled for consistency in the lead up to finals. Currently sitting outside the top 8, Souths will need to improve their recent record of 2 wins and 3 losses from their last 5 matches if they are to play finals footy. Their up-and-down form line means the Rabbitohs could be vulnerable against their arch-rivals.

Sydney Roosters Performance

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟥 The Sydney Roosters enter this match in strong form, having won 4 of their past 5 games while only suffering 1 loss during that period. After a slow start, the Roosters have found winning form at the right end of the season as they push for finals football. With a solid record of 4 wins and 1 loss from their last 5 games, the Roosters will head into the grudge match against Souths full of confidence. Their recent string of victories suggests the tri-colours should have the edge over the inconsistent Rabbitohs.

📋 Players to watch:

• Since Round 12, the Rabbitohs have conceded 30+ points six times.
• Joseph Suaalii has scored a try in his last four games.
• Alex Johnston has crossed for 21 tries in 22 games this season.

⚡ Match Facts:

• The Roosters have won two of the last three clashes between the teams.
• The Bunnies have lost eight of their past 12 matches.
• The Roosters are riding a four-game winning streak.
• Three of the last four meetings have been decided by 1-12 points.

💡 Match Prediction:

According to the forecasts, this looms as an extremely tight contest between the bitter rivals, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs rated only marginal favorites. The probabilities point to a likely Rabbitohs victory at 54.0% compared to 46.0% for the Roosters. This is reflected in the tight bookmakers' odds, which have Souths as narrow $1.85 favorites, while the Roosters are at $2.17. 

The prediction indicates the Rabbitohs will edge the tri-colours by just 2 points this Friday night. With the ledger so even between the teams in recent years, the forecast of a razor-thin Souths win seems fitting for this blockbuster grudge match.

Rabbitohs vs Roosters Score Prediction: 26 - 24