Sydney v South Sydney
Allianz Stadium
8pm Friday 7 July 2017
The Rabbitohs scored their biggest win of the season with a 28-point victory over the Panthers last Sunday. The win was made all the more impressive considering they trailed 8-0 after 12 minutes. It was easily their best performance of the season highlighted by a 5 try haul by winger Alex Johnston.
The boys from Redfern sit 11th on the ladder with 16 points on the ladder so are in must-win territory if they’re to be in contention for the finals this year. They’ll be gunning for a third-straight win for the first time this season.
The Roosters conversely, suffered their biggest loss of the season leaking 44-points to the Sharks at Central Coast Stadium. They played like a tired team and in hindsight their performance the week prior against an undermanned Storm in Adelaide signalled that this may be around the corner. The challenge for them will be whether they can re-group and get back into the winners circle without their Origin stars.
Head to Head Record
Roosters have won 3 of the last 4 games v Rabbitohs.
Stadium Record
Sydney have won 7 of the last 8 at their home ground while Souths have lost 5 of their last 6.
Tip: Roosters to bounce back after their disappointment of last week. Their side on paper is still a strong one despite the absence of their Origin contingent.
Best Bet: Sydney win $2.17
Odds: Sydney $2.17 South Sydney $1.70
Penrith v Manly
Pepper Stadium
5:30pm Saturday 8 July 2017
Panthers play their first home game at Pepper Stadium since mid-May and will be looking for a huge reversal in form following a heavy defeat at the hands of the Bunnies last week. A loose Matt Moylan pass that led to an intercept try to Alex Johnston was the catalyst for a capitulation of epic proportions conceding 42 points in 68 minutes. They will relish the opportunity to play at home once again and have to get their chance to get their season back on track against the high flying Sea Eagles.
Manly have been just about the form team of the competition having won their last 5. They took their home game against the Warriors to Perth last week and the exercise paid dividends running over the top of the Kiwi-side in the second half. They did show signs of flatness in the first half however trailing 16-0 after 19 minutes. You have to wonder whether they have peaked in form. They will also have the flight home from Perth to contend with.
Head to Head Record
Penrith have a strong record against Manly having won their last 4 and 6 of the last 7 matches.
Stadium Record
Penrith have won just 2 of their last 5 at Pepper Stadium but have won their last 3 against Manly at the venue.
Tip: Despite the Sea Eagles flying high and Panthers suffering a bad loss last week, tipping a bounce back in form for the Panthers while Manly may struggle to back up from their trip across the country.
Best Bet: Manly win $1.91
Odds: Penrith $1.91 Manly 1.91
Other matches to come..
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