NRL Betting: Take South Sydney Rabbitohs to win on the Handicap against Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Recommended bet: South Sydney Rabbitohs (+7.5 points Handicap) @ 1.91 with Centrebet.

South Sydney Rabbitohs play host to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Monday evening at the ANZ Stadium, in a game in which the lowly Rabbitohs come into in better form than the high-flying Sharks.

Souths have long been out of contention for a Top 8 finish, but the Sharks are not only already qualified for the Finals Series but are still in with a shout for the minor Premiership, being just a point shy of table-topping Melbourne Storm.

After nine straight defeats, South Sydney Rabbitohs secured a long overdue victory by beating New Zealand Warriors 41-22 on their travels last time out.  The win had been coming in fairness, as they had only lost by golden point in sudden death overtime to top of the table Melbourne Storm in their previous match.

Second in the table Cronulla went down 32-18 at St. George-Illawarra Dragons last weekend and are struggling for form ahead of the Finals Series.  It’s something they will want to address before the regular season concludes and a trip to Sydney should present them with a perfect opportunity to end a three-match winless streak.  On the back of a 15-match winning run, it’s very much a hangover for the Sharks at present.

In terms of team news, Nathan Brown and Cameron McInnes are added to an extended bench for Souths, but Zane Musgrove is out.  If Adam Reynolds is ruled out (which would be a major blow), the inclusion of McInnes is likely to see Damien Cook moved to half-back.  As far as Cronulla are concerned, captain Paul Gallen returns, but Sosaia Feki is ruled out.

In 84 matches between the two teams dating back to 1967, Cronulla have won 44 of them and 16 of the last 28.  Even so, Souths have a 5-1 lead when it comes to games at the ANZ Stadium.

The Bunnies upturn in form has been aided by having key players returning from injury and, particularly if Reynolds is fit, they should certainly be able to keep this close enough to back them on the Handicap +7.5 points.