NRL Finals Week 3 Preview
South Sydney Rabbitohs ($1.70) v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles ($2.15)
Friday 24th September 7:50PM, Suncorp Stadium
Manly’s dominant 42-6 win over the Roosters last week sees them 80 minutes away from a return to the grand-final for the first time since 2013. Manly will head to Suncorp with momentum from last week on their firmly but nonetheless will have to step up their performance against a South Sydney side well rested from their week one win against the Panthers.
For seemingly the first time all year, both sides will head into this contest injury free – apart from the suspended Latrell Mitchell, however the Rabbitohs have had the wood over their northern beaches counterparts, winning the last 4 games between the sides. Souths and Manly both rank second and third respectively in points scored this year and while it is a preliminary final, I think we will be treated to an attacking shootout on the fast Suncorp surface. Souths left edge attack will be keen to attack the right side of Manly which was badly exposed against the Storm two weeks back, with Olakau’tau, Harper and Garrick all needing the defensive game of their life to stop Cody Walker and co. Likewise the Manly halves will look to put fullback Blake Taafe under pressure with their kicking game with a Tom Trbjovevic third tackle hit up and quick play the ball into a Cherry-Evans 40/20 attempt, potentially a key tactic from Des Hasler’s men.
From a neutral fan point of view, this will be the game of the year in my humble opinion but I think Manly will be too good for the Rabbitohs and consign them to another preliminary finals defeat.
Recommended Bet: Manly $2.15
Melbourne Storm ($1.30) v Penrith Panthers ($3.55)
Saturday 25th September 4:00PM, Suncorp Stadium
As is well documented, many thought this fixture would have been played the first Sunday in October but the surprising Panthers loss to the Rabbitohs has meant we see the 2020 grand-final a week earlier. Craig Bellamy’s side walked away convincing 37-10 winners over the Panthers in August, and always seem to grow a leg when playing in Queensland. The Storm dominated the possession count and completed 90% of their sets on the way to a commanding 28-point win – a performance Bellamy will be hoping his side can replicate against a Panthers team that managed only eight points against the Eels last week. The Panthers attack has been stagnant in recent weeks and it is tough to discount such a consistent side, however I’m sticking with the Storm at the short odds and recommend a multi bet with Manly on Friday night.
Recommended Bet: Storm $1.30
