Rabbitohs v Eels NRL preview, best bets & top odds – Friday 18/5/23

Friday night NRL for Indigenous Round wraps up at Allianz Stadium with South Sydney hosting Parramatta. The Rabbitohs are looking to continue a whopping six-game winning streak, while the Eels are looking to avoid their third loss in a row.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been forced to make just one change with Jed Cartwright out due to concussion, bringing Blake Taaffe onto the interchange bench.

The Parramatta Eels have received a major boost with halfback Mitchell Moses coming back into the side for Jake Arthur. Shaun Lane (hamstring) has been ruled out until round 20, with Bryce Cartwright returning to the starting side and Ofahiki Ogden coming onto the interchange bench.

The Eels’ form to start the 2023 season has been poor. They have made a habit of losing games they should win, while also beating the Panthers in Penrith — a game they should have lost. Parramatta’s inconsistency is their biggest weakness, and that plays right into the hands of the league-leading Rabbitohs. Should South Sydney’s dominant form continue, they will win by 13+ points at $2.40 odds with Palmerbet.

For all the strategy and game-planning that goes into NRL matches, Indigenous Round is something different for the players proudly representing their people and culture. For years Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker have led the way in this department, and like State of Origin matches, this round evokes more emotion and intrinsic drive than a regular weekend of footy. Look for both Mitchell ($2) and Walker ($2.30) to be at the peak of their powers and score a try at some stage during the match.

A similar case can be made when assessing Campbell Graham and the internal motivations he would have to earn his Origin debut for New South Wales. Blues coach Brad Fittler will select his side on Monday, and this is Graham’s last chance to prove he cannot be left out. He has been one of the form centres in the NRL and, coming up against Bailey Simonsson, should score a try in this game ($2.05).

Cool, dry conditions have been predicted for this clash at Allianz Stadium, which has shown in its short history that it is an incredible ground for scoring points. Although inconsistent, the Eels have stars such as Maika Sivo, Will Penisini, Dylan Brown and Moses who are incredible attacking players. Not to mention the likes of Walker, Mitchell and Graham for Souths, while Alex Johnston is one of the best tryscorers in the history of the NRL. Look for this to be a high-scoring match exceeding the line of 43.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Latrell Mitchell v Clint Gutherson

Latrell Mitchell vs Clint Gutherson

Latrell Mitchell on his day is the most destructive and illusive player in the NRL. Clint Gutherson is a different style of fullback who works hard and sets the platform for his outside backs and playmakers to score. Mitchell can simply create something out of nothing, a fact the Eels will need to be cautious of with the added emotion that comes with Indigenous Round. If Gutherson and the Eels cannot limit the impact of Mitchell on Friday, this game could get ugly for them.

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