NRL Round 10 Preview and Prediction - Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium

Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - It's a battle between 2 desperate sides in the Bottom 4 here as the Tigers host the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Friday night. With both sides sitting on just 3 wins apiece, the loser of this game can just about kiss goodbye to any realistic chance that they have of challenging for a spot above the bottom of the Top 8 comes season’s end. The Tigers were plucky against the Sharks, but ultimately blew another halftime lead, the 3rd time they done that this season. However, there have been signs of promise under Ivan Cleary with 2 victories and 2 narrow defeats, with the side playing tougher for longer periods. South Sydney will be looking to rebound from one of their most embarrassing performances during Michael Maguire’s 6-year reign, as they were annihilated 46-8 by Manly in front of their stunned supporters at Allianz Stadium. After starting the season with 2 victories from 3 games, the Rabbitohs have won just 2 from their past 6, and need a much more committed performance on Friday night to ensure their supporters that they haven't raised the white flag already on 2017. 
 
History - The Tigers have destroyed the Rabbitohs in the past 4 encounters, winning all of them by relatively big margins. In all 4 games they have also scored 30+ points, including back in Round 1 where the Tigers registered a 34-18 victory. Before 2015, the Rabbitohs had a dominant period against the Tigers and they hold the overall advantage 15-14. 
 
Wests Tigers Scouting Report – Tigers’ captain Aaron Woods will miss the next month of football with a groin injury. Sauaso Sue moves from the bench to the starting front row, with Tim Grant fit to return on the bench. Youngster Moses Suli has been one of the standouts this season for the Tigers and was extremely strong for them last week against the Sharks, scoring a try and having a number of impressive carries. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The Rabbitohs have replaced Robert Jennings with Braidon Burns on the wing as they look to rebound from that shellacking at the hands of Manly. Fellow outside back Aaron Gray has been named on an extended bench and he is a chance to return from a long term injury for the Bunnies. 
 
Verdict - Souths 1-10 in a high scoring game
 
I like Souths to win this game given I don't mind backing teams coming off heavy and embarrassing losses. The Tigers have a heap of problems coming into this game, with Aaron Woods out and David Nofoaluma in extreme doubt with a leg injury. Throw in the fact Mitchell Moses doesn't really want to be there and James Tedesco is leaving the Club and I can't see how this side can have had a great preparation coming into this game. Souths have lost their past 4 games against the Tigers and, given the fact these sides usually trade victories, I think the Bunnies are due to get one over the Tigers here. I think Michael Maguire is the sort of coach that can get a response after that embarrassing dispatch against Manly and, if Souths can nullify James Tedesco, the Tigers don't have any more avenues to score points from.