South Sydney Rabbitohs capable of keeping it close against Sydney Roosters

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Handicap – South Sydney Rabbitohs +8.5 @ 10/11 (1.91) with Centrebet

It’s the local derby between the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs that kicks off game week 6 in the Premiership at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday evening.

Both teams have had inconsistent seasons to date, although the Roosters did record an impressive 28-10 win away to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks last week.  Meanwhile the Rabbitohs put up a decent fight, but went down to a narrow 16-12 defeat at a St. George-Illawarra Dragons side that’s been in red hot form.

Last season’s fixtures between the fierce local rivals resulted in two wins for the Roosters, with a 20-6 victory at the ANZ Stadium in game week 4 followed by a narrow 14-12 win at the Allianz Stadium in game week 18.

The Rabbitohs have doubts over star half Adam Reynolds, who came off with a concussion injury in the second half of the game with the Dragons.  The Rabbitohs will also be without Sam Burgess in their forward pack, with the English forward suspended until game week 7 of the season. On the plus side, Souths should be able to call up Richie Kennar, who is close to returning from a hamstring problem.

The stakes are invariably higher and the incentive all the greater in a fiercely contested local derby and the Bunnies will almost certainly raise their game for the occasion.

However, there are clear signs that the Roosters are beginning to gel and they rarely allow complacency to take hold when it comes to games against their neighbours.  

The Roosters are strong favourites to win this clash (current best odds of 4/11 [1.36] with Centrebet) and probably will do so.  However, it might not be straightforward and the Souths are definitely capable of keeping it fairly close.  

There could be some value in betting the Rabbitohs on the Handicap in the belief that they could spring a surprise or that the Roosters will probably prevail, but only by a narrow margin.  

You can back the Rabbitohs with an 8.5 point start at 10/11 (1.91) with Centrebet, so provided they either win, draw or stay within that margin in losing the game, you would have a winning bet. More Australian Best Bets.