Gagai tryscorer odds and best bets for Dragons vs. Rabbitohs

St George Illawarra Dragons – $2.45 at Sportsbet
South Sydney Rabbitohs – $1.55

Two of Sydney’s powerhouse clubs will light up Jubilee Oval on Thursday night in a clash that could have consequences later in the year.

At the rate the St George Illawarra Dragons are going, they might not have any players available by the time finals roll around.

Jack de Belin is injured, Korbin Sims is suspended and now Tyson Frizell is out for at least four weeks after rupturing a testicle in the first-round defeat to the North Queensland Cowboys.

That latest casualty sees Blake Lawrie step into the no.13 jersey, with Josh Kerr moving up to the interchange.

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The South Sydney Rabbitohs have enjoyed a much more promising start to the season, knocking off the Sydney Roosters in their first game under Wayne Bennett.

The Bunnies were impressive all round against the reigning premiers, with Adam Reynolds earning special praise for his kicking game on a night that was supposed to be all about Cooper Cronk.

Souths would have been delighted to accrue two points from their opening two games when they saw their draw, but now they have a golden opportunity go 2-0 and set the early pace.

Souths have made only one change for the clash at Kogarah, with Kyle Turner replacing Corey Allan on the bench.

Best bets for first tryscorer

Odds courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au

Jordan Pereira

• First tryscorer $11
• Two or more tries $8.50
• Anytime tryscorer $2.30

Pereira was stacking shelves at a Queensland supermarket two years ago, but now the Kiwi winger is an integral part of the St George Illawarra attack. He was on the score sheet against the Cowboys and looks a decent bet to do it again.

Dane Gagai

• First tryscorer $9.50
• Two or more tries $6
• Anytime tryscorer $1.91

We said last week that Gagai is a scoring threat from just about anywhere on the park, but he is an absolute luxury on the wing. It remains to be seen whether he stays there all season, so back him in the major tryscoring markets while he’s hot.

Key betting trends

• Souths have won seven of their last eight night games against the Dragons.
• Each of the Bunnies’ last six night games has gone over the total points line.
• The second has been the higher-scoring half in the last six games at Jubilee Oval.
• Euan Aitken has scored a try in each of the Dragons’ last four night games.

Dragons vs. Souths betting predictions

The Dragons have a lot of classy customers in the back half, but their depleted forward pack was found wanting in round one.

Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs are backing up from a dream start to the season and look like they have the tools to go all the way.

The Red V will improve when their Origin stars return, but this one is South Sydney’s to lose.

South Sydney Rabbitohs -4.5 – $1.90 at Sportsbet