NRL Sharks v Rabbitohs betting preview & top tips | Rd 20, 30/07

Super Saturday football continues Saturday in ‘The Shire’ when the South Sydney Rabbitohs travel to Cronulla to take on the Sharks. This match is crucial for both sides as they could both finish this round in the top four, depending on other results going their way in round 20 of the 2022 NRL premiership season.

The form of the Cronulla Sharks has ebbed and flowed in recent weeks, and with Dale Finucane and Sione Katoa missing through injury suspension, matches such as these for the Sharks are vital to their season. For Souths, they are a totally different side with fullback Latrell Mitchell in the side. Will he be what the Rabbitohs need to win in Cronulla?

Connor Tracey continues to be the man filling the shoes of Katoa on the right wing for the Sharks, and with Finucane ruled out of the clash through his suspension, Aiden Tolman will likely come to the bench for the Sharks to assist in the middle. For the Rabbitohs, Daniel Suluka-Fifita comes into the starting side for Mark Nicholls as a straight swap that may be changed late by coach Jason Demetriou.

These two clubs clash as one of the most evenly balanced battles in the NRL. In 34 matches, the Sharks have won two more matches than the Rabbitohs, with the last ten matches between the two being split evenly at five each. The Rabbitohs have not been very successful over time at PointsBet Stadium in Cronulla, winning only 5 of 18 games. However, the form of Latrell Mitchell and this South Sydney side is too good to ignore. This match won’t be easy for the South Sydney Rabbitohs but are more than capable of getting the win. Should they do so, it will only be by a short margin, making the 1-12 point win for Souths the smart play at $3.25.

Alex Johnson is an absolute try scoring machine with an NRL record in his sights. This does not bode well for a Sharks side that concedes more tries in the left corner of the field and anywhere else. Johnston is all but certain to score at some point in the match at $1.87 with Palmerbet.

The Sharks will be aware of Johnston and his try scoring ability, but one player they may not be aware of that is growing into his role in first grade is Isaiah Tass. In the left centre position, he can be forgotten, but is skilful and strong enough to take advantage of any over compensations the Sharks make defensively. Tass is a great value bet as an any time try scorer paying $3.20.

Some rain is predicted in Cronulla to close out the working week, but with clear skies expected for Saturday, we should see the expansive and explosive best from these two teams. Each side averages scoring more than 22 points per game each, and with top four positions to play for, will be out to capitalise on the opportunities they have. Look for this match to exceed the total points margin currently set at 41.5 paying $1.90 with the top Australian bookmakers.

KEY MATCH UP: BLAYKE BRAILEY v DAMIEN COOK

The clash of these two hookers will be one to watch as Brailey is very much a similar mould of his opponent, Cook. Brailey has showed a strong ability to run from dummy half with speed, as well as ball play for his halves and forwards, while Cook is still one of the most feared hookers in the NRL. Should this game pan out to be a tough fast contest, opportunities will present themselves in the middle third of the field for these hookers. Whoever takes those opportunities, will go a long way to winning this match for their side.

Cronulla Sharks vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL match prediction

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