NRL Round 4 Preview - Rabbitohs v Bulldogs @ ANZ Stadium

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury Bulldogs @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Rabbitohs and Bulldogs collide in the traditional Good Friday clash at ANZ Stadium, with both Clubs looking to build off their first victory of the season last week. The Bulldogs responded to a week of criticism with a gritty 29-18 victory over the Panthers, after they jumped out to an early 14-0 lead. The Rabbitohs ambushed a Manly side who had won by 54 the previous week, dominating them for 80 minutes at ANZ Stadium, winning 34-6 in a complete display. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report – Rabbitohs’ Coach Anthony Seibold has made no changes following Souths’ big win over Manly.  Nineteen year old halfback Adam Doueihi had an excellent game and retains his spot at halfback in a side that looked slick in attack last week. Alex Johnson had his best game of the season at fullback scoring and having a hand in several tries. 
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - The Bulldogs are also unchanged having, like Souths, secured their first victory of the season last week. Jeremy Marshall-King retains his five-eighth spot after impressing in the starting role. The Bulldogs’ forwards were a lot more aggressive against Penrith with David Klemmer leading the way with a number strong charges. 
 
Verdict - Souths by 10-20
 
I think Souths can win this game fairly comfortably. I was far more impressed by their performance last week against Manly than I was with the Dogs against Penrith. Souths look to me to be a side with a fair bit of upside and firepower, and I was really impressed with their young halfback Adam Doueihi against Manly last week. This side has a bit of size and pace about it and, while the Dogs grinded out a win, they were still far from convincing against a Panthers’ side missing Nathan Cleary in the second half, as the Panthers nearly came from 14 points down. Put simply, if both sides turn up with the right attitude, I think Souths will just have too much class for the Dogs and run away with the game in the second half.