Thursday’s NRL 2018 Round 6 match is between Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:50 local time with the game to be played at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. The home team Sydney Roosters are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
When: 19:50 | Thursday 12/04/2018
Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Preview:
Another classic matchup to start round 6 as these two Sydney clubs with such a rich history going head-to-head.
After a dominant forwards display with Boyd Cordner and Sio Siua Taukeiaho leading the way against the Cronulla Sharks, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Souths pack who are still without suspended captain Sam Burgess.
The aggressive mindset they play with is exactly what you need but it’s the short interchange of passing between them that’s their point of difference.
KEY BATTLE: Luke Keary v Cody Walker
I’m looking forward to watching the in-form Luke Keary going up against his old club and ex-Roosters teammate Cody Walker.
Both are in terrific form and play a similar style of running game.
The Verdict
The Roosters are 41-33-1 (55.3 percent) O/U record as a home team in night matches since 2010.
I’m expecting the tri-colours to get the win with Keary starring for the home side.
Unibet Odds:
Sydney Roosters at $1.32
South Sydney at $3.40
Odds:
OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!
Tip: Sydney Roosters at $1.35
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Blake Ferguson at $9.00
More Info:
Teams:
Sydney Roosters:
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.
Reserves: 18 Nat Butcher, 19 Kurt Baptiste, 20 Mitchell Cornish, 21 Frank-Paul Nuuausala.
South Sydney Rabbitohs:
1 Alex Johnston, 2 Richie Kennar, 3 Greg Inglis (c), 4 Dane Gagai, 5 Robert Jennings, 6 Cody Walker, 7 Adam Reynolds, 8 Thomas Burgess, 9 Damien Cook, 10 George Burgess, 11 John Sutton, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14 Adam Doueihi, 15 Mark Nicholls, 16 Jason Clark, 17 Tevita Tatola. Reserves: 18 Robbie Farah, 19 Hymel Hunt, 20 Campbell Graham, 21 Kyle Turner.
NRL News:
NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler is convinced Luke Keary is now true-blue and says his combination with Blues skipper Boyd Cordner could give him the edge come selection time.
Keary’s Origin eligibility was a point of contention following his NRL debut in 2013 after he initially wanted to represent Queensland, where he lived until he was 10. The five-eighth even trained at a junior Maroons camp in 2012.
With an injury to Penrith’s Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses struggling to fire for the Eels, Keary is the in-form No.6 and has confirmed to Fittler his heart lies with NSW.
“He’s a Blue, he’s definitely a Blue,” Fittler told AAP on Tuesday at the launch of the opening State of Origin match at the MCG on June 6.
Veteran Blake Green has also been in career-best form, steering the Warriors to an unbeaten start to the NRL season, but Fittler said what could give Keary the edge was his combination with Cordner at the Sydney Roosters.
“The thing in Luke Keary’s favour is that he defends next to Boyd Cordner and combinations are important,” Fittler said.
The skipper also plumped for his teammate, saying the 26-year-old was playing with confidence at the Roosters alongside Queensland legend Cooper Cronk.
“Luke’s been really good and he’s taken his game to another level last year and the way he’s started off this year,” Cordner said.
“If he keeps improving and keeps playing the way he is, I’m sure he will be contention for an Origin spot for sure.”
Fittler said he only had two spots firm in his mind – second-rower Cordner and prop Jordan McLean, before he was ruled out this week for three months with a foot injury.
While he’s been impressed by the Dragons’ pack he said if he had to name a halfback today, Penrith’s James Maloney would get the nod.
“I’d take James Maloney after his game on the weekend, he was fantastic, and that’s the only name I can say with any confidence,” Fittler said.
Melbourne Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr has also caught the coach’s eye for his form on and off the field.
“I picked him in the city team last year and he’s awesome not only with what he does on the field but he is also a great character to have around your team. He’s an infectious sort of bloke so hopefully he keeps up that sort of form,” Fittler said.
