The Eels and Rabbitohs get Round 17 of the NRL underway at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta this Thursday.
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney come into this clash as the much higher-ranked side, sitting 7th on the ladder to the Eels' 14th.
Both sides have been mercurial in 2026, however. The Rabbitohs won big last week against the Broncos yet lost three straight before that. Parramatta were also victorious, but haven't claimed consecutive wins since Round 3.
The Rabbitohs have dominated this head-to-head, winning nine of the last 10 including the last three.
Leg 1 - Eels +6.5
Parramatta have been competitive in their recent defeats, losing by six to the Knights and two to the Bulldogs.
While South Sydney should have enough on attack to get the job done here, don't expect a one-sided match.
A strong last month, plus the return of Mitchell Moses, will make the Eels a tough out here.
Leg 2 - Under 49.5 Points Total
The Eels have conceded just 12 and 14 points in their last two matches, while last round the Rabbitohs leaked just six.
Expect a gritty armwrestle that falls under the line, as have the two most recent head-to-heads between these sides.
Leg 3 - Alex Johnston to Score
Johnston has been a try-scoring machine in 2026, collecting 19 already from just 12 games.
Round 14 was the first match he played and failed to cross over, though he promptly made amends by scoring four against the Broncos in Round 15.
Against a team like the Eels, far from the competition's best defence despite their recent heroics, the Rabbitohs' winger should add to his tally.
Same Game Multi
Eels +6.5 / Under 49.5 / Johnston to Score = $7.25
Value Bet
The Rabbitohs have only won twice since April, and much of their ladder position is due to early season form.
While they looked exceptional against the Broncos, there's no denying they've been one of this season's more mercurial sides.
Another dip isn't out of the question, particularly against a team playing at home, who are off the back of a victory, with a returning Origin star.
