NRL Round 4 Preview and Prediction - South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters @ ANZ Stadium

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - Bitter rivals, the Roosters and Rabbitohs, have had to wait until Round 4 this season to renew their famous rivalry. The Roosters will be looking to stay atop the NRL ladder with a 4th straight win after their gripping victory over the Panthers last week. Whilst many thought the Roosters were lucky to get away with a victory given the forward pass in the lead up to the final try, the game was probably the best of the round in terms of physicality, intensity and quality. The Rabbitohs have rebounded strongly in the past couple of weeks with back-to-back victories against the Sea Eagles and Knights, coinciding with the return of Adam Reynolds at halfback. Souths’ attack has looked untroubled by losing Greg Inglis, with Alex Johnson slotting in seamlessly at the back, but they will be tested here with a clear step up in class against their bitter rivals. 
 
History - There is not much to separate these Clubs over the past four seasons with both clubs scoring 4 victories. Last season, the Roosters were embarrassed by the Rabbitohs 42-10 in Round 1, before bouncing back in style in Round 5 with a 16-4 victory played in tough conditions. After over a century of battles, it is the Rabbits that hold the overall edge with 112 wins to the Roosters 97, with 5 draws. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters have suffered a big blow on the eve of this game losing their captain Jake Friend to injury.. Blake Ferguson has also failed to recover in time and he will miss a 2nd straight game into the centres to be replaced by Joseph Manu. The likes of Chris Smith, Paul Carter and Mitch Cornish have been named on an extended interchange bench. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - There has been a bit of chaos for the Rabbits heading into this game, with three players suspended in what was an ill-tempered win over the Knights. Prop George Burgess misses 2 weeks for striking Mitch Barnett, with his twin brother Tom Burgess coming in to replace him. Centre Hymel Hunt will miss 4 weeks for his high shot on Brendon Elliott, whilst youngster Braidon Burns will miss a week because of an ill-advised shoulder charge. This has forced Michael Maguire into a major reshuffle, with Cody Walker shifting to fullback and Alex Johnson going back on to the wing. John Sutton plays in the Number 6 for the first time in a couple of seasons, whilst exciting young back rower Angus Crichton gets a start in the forwards. 
 
Verdict - Roosters by 6 + in a low scoring game

The Roosters have not quite been at their best the past couple of games, however have still beaten two tough teams in the Bulldogs and Panthers. They meet the Rabbitohs at a good time with Souths missing George Burgess and Hymel Hunt to suspension, on top of the long term injury to Greg Inglis. Luke Keary might play this game down publicly, however I am sure he will be up for a huge game here against his former Club. I just think the Roosters have too much strike power in the halves and out wide for a Souths’ side that has rebounded well in the last couple of weeks. I am concerned about the absence of Jake Friend however - No offence to the Bunnies, however they were not great last week in their 6 point win in Newcastle, and this is the first time this season they come up against a team many consider a heavyweight in the competition. Of course I expect this game to be very willing, and full of big collisions early. However if the Roosters keep their heads they should win comfortably.