Roosters v Rabbitohs NRL betting picks | Round 3, 2024

Roosters v Rabbitohs best bets

Roosters v Rabbitohs match preview

Friday night’s NRL action ends with a classic grudge match as the Sydney Roosters host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters have made several changes to their starting side following the loss to the Manly Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park. Sandon Smith will start at five-eighth in place of the injured Luke Keary (concussion), Connor Watson has been promoted to the interchange bench in the utility role, Nat Butcher will start in the second row after Siua Wong was dropped, and Angus Crichton has been promoted to the interchange.

The Rabbitohs have also made changes following their disappointing loss to the Broncos in Brisbane. The most controversial decision made by coach Jason Demetriou was to drop halfback Lachlan Ilias for Dean Hawkins. Elsewhere, Jack Wighton has been named in the centres to make his Rabbitohs debut and Jacob Host returns from injury in the second row.

Roosters v Rabbitohs betting strategy

With a tough draw ahead, the Rabbitohs will need to see this as a must-win game. The visitors have also lost each of their last six matches in Sydney, failing to cover the line each time. The Roosters will be playing at their new stadium for the first time this season, and with a strong forward pack and supremely talented outside backs, they look a good bet to cover the -3.5 handicap at -111.11 with Bovada.

After scoring a try last week against the Sea Eagles, Roosters recruit Dominic Young has crossed the line at least once in four of his last five NRL matches. Young’s height and athleticism makes him a target for cross-field kicks, while he is also strong enough to muscle his way through defenders and get to the try line. Punters should find value in the +102 for Young to score at any time.

Daniel Tupou has spent more than a decade contesting these derby dates. The Roosters winger has scored a try in each of his last three matches against the Rabbitohs and will be a definite target to catch out Taane Milne in defence. The Roosters should not require many opportunities to help Tupou find the in-goal area at any time, which is paying +145.

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