Roosters vs Rabbitohs betting tips for Thursday night, April 12

7.50pm Thursday April 12, 2018, at Allianz Stadium

THIS game looms as a walkover on paper for the Sydney Roosters but sports are never that easy.

It has been an oscillating start to the season for the Tricolours.

At times they have looked like the best team in the competition – like they displayed in their 28-10 road win over the Sharks last week – while on other occasions they have looked like a side that needs time to gel.

Despite having the uneven record of 3-2 heading into round six, the Roosters are the $5 favourite for the NRL Grand Final at Sportsbet.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been average to start the season, winning just two of their opening five games. Last week’s loss to the Dogs was flattering considering the Bunnies didn’t look like scoring a try until very late in the piece.

The Rabbits will need to improve considerably on the offensive end if they are to trouble the Chooks.

Players to watch – Roosters v Rabbitohs

Roosters – Ryan Matterson: Fresh off his best game of the season, Ryan Matterson will be the must-watch player of this match up. Scoring the first try against the Sharks, the 23-year-old went on to score again later in the contest to secure the win.

Rabbitohs – Greg Inglis: GI is one of the most dynamic players in the league at his best, and after finding the scoring sheet late in the match against Dragons. Could that be the moment that ignites Inglis’ season? We think it could be. Thursday will be the test.

Predicted Roosters team

1 James Tedesco, 2 Reece Robinson, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Blake Ferguson, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 9 Jake Friend (c), 10 Dylan Napa, 11 Boyd Cordner (c), 12 Ryan Matterson, 13 Isaac Liu

Interchange: 14 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Mitchell Aubusson, 17 Victor Radley

Predicted Rabbitohs team

1 Alex Johnston, 2 Dane Gagai, 3 Greg Inglis (c), 4 Hymel Hunt, 5 Robert Jennings, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Thomas Burgess, 9 Damien Cook, 16 George Burgess, 11 John Sutton, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Cameron Murray

Interchange: 14 Adam Doueihi, 15 Mark Nicholls, 17 Tevita Tatola, 19 Jason Clark

Raiders v Rabbitohs – who wins?

The Roosters should improve their record to four wins from six matches.

It’s taken a while for the new-look Roosters to get top gear, but the club’s win over the Sharks was the best indication that everything is starting to click for the star-studded Tricolours.

It spells trouble for the Bunnies.

We’re backing the Roosters to deliver the win in consummate ease over the struggling Rabbitohs.

Tip: Sydney Roosters to win ($1.35 at Sportsbet)