Free try-scorer tips for NRL Good Friday, Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs

Friday, April 14, 2017, 4pm AEST, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Watch on Fox Sports.

The Bulldogs host the Rabbitohs to kick off the first game of the Easter weekend on Good Friday.

The duo are fresh off two promising wins that could kick-start their seasons after inauspicious beginnings.

The Bulldogs did what they had to against the Newcastle Knights last week. Dynamic Queensland representative Dane Gagai threatened to single-handedly win the game for the Novocastrians, but the Dogs dug in and ground out their second win in a row.

The Rabbitohs did it the hard way against Penrith, but their one-point win against the one-time premiership favourites could be the catalyst that drives a winning run. Superstar Adam Reynolds landed a field goal late in the match to break the deadlock and hand the Bunnies their first win in three matches.

Despite the disappointing back-to-back 14 point defeats, South Sydney coach Michael McGuire felt like their season was not as dire as it appeared.

“The boys have been working pretty hard over the last few weeks where we haven’t really had too many rewards but it was nice to see them work through that game,” Maguire said.

“We put pressure on ourselves sometimes but stuck strong throughout and our preparation helped us get through periods like that.”

The odds suggest this game could be another nail bitter.

The Bulldogs are the slight $1.80 favourites at Sportsbet.com.au, and the line is set at one solitary point.

Marcelo Montoya predictions

Fijian force Marcelo Montoya has only played in four games this season, but the youngster is already making a big impact at the highest level.

Debuting in 2017, the 21-year-old has already proven his scoring ability since forcing his way into the starting line up, crossing the try line three times in four games.

Montoya comes into the game as one of the joint favourites to score the first try of round seven, and we think he is more than capable of getting on the board early on Friday.

Tip: Marcelo Montoya to score the first try on Friday night (+1000 with Sportsbet.com.au)

Adam Reynolds predictions

They say form is temporary and but class is forever, but when they combine something special occurs – and we think Reynolds is about to merge the two together.

The 26-year-old superstar returned after missing the opening portion of the season through injury, and was a vital contributor in his side’s vital win over the Panthers, scoring a try and booting through the winning field goal.

The entire league knows how devastating an in-form Reynolds can be, and after scoring a try last week we think the halfback is ready to go on a tear.

The price on Reynolds to score a try at anytime is over the odds to our eye, and we are happy to take it.

Tip: Adam Reynolds to score at anytime ($5.50 at Sportsbet.com.au)

Match predictions

Match result: Canterbury Bulldogs to win ($1.80 with Sportsbet.com.au)

Line betting tip: Canterbury Bulldogs -1.0 ($1.90 with Sportsbet.com.au)

Bonus bet: Alex Johnston to score the first try for the Rabbitohs ($7 with Sportsbet.com.au)

This match looms as a true toss of the coin contest, but we think the Bulldogs will benefit from their easier match up against the Knights last weekend.

The Dogs’ defence stood up strongly against the rampaging Dane Gagai, which proved Des Hasler’s men are committed to the cause rather than exhibiting a divide at the club that many pundits mooted.

The Rabbitohs won against quality opposition, but in reality they had to win given Matt Moylan, Peta Hiku and Waqa Blake were all suspended for the game. The game should not have been as close as it was, but as the adage suggests; a win is a win.

The Bulldogs seem like they are the classier team coming into this one. We are backing the Dogs to force their way back into the eight whilst condemning the Bunnies to another loss they cannot afford to have.