Eels vs Rabbitohs Predictions, Preview, Stream, Odds & Picks
Marquee Matchup in NRL Round 22
Playoff Positioning
There is little separating the Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs on the NRL ladder, which makes Friday’s game even more intriguing.
Rugby odds have the Rabbitohs favored to win at -170 after a big win last week, but the Eels have been playing well recently.
It could be the game of Round 22 and the playoffs are only a couple of weeks away.
Let’s review the latest rugby news, stats, injury reports, and rugby odds for Eels vs Rabbitohs. We’ve plenty of rugby picks and predictions for you to consider
Eels Proving Slippery
Bettors never know what to expect from the Eels, but their form has been much better over the last two weeks.
They rebounded from a loss to the Broncos with a 34-10 win over the Panthers before beating the Sea Eagles last week. They are the only team to beat the Panthers this year, so they’re good enough to cause some havoc in the playoffs.
Putting points on the board is a key aspect of the Eels’ success, so scoring 70 points in the last two weeks holds them in good stead against the Rabbitohs, who come in off a 48-point performance.
The sportsbook has the Eels at +130 (down from +150) and that’s a value price for a team that’s starting to put it all together.
Rabbitohs Shaping as Title Contenders
It was a slow start to the year for the Rabbitohs, but after scoring four wins from their last five games, they’re now firmly in finals contention.
The return of Latrell Mitchell has been the catalyst for their success and it could have been five straight wins had they not lost to the Cronulla Sharks 21-20.
After beating the Warriors 48-10 last week, there is momentum with the Rabbitohs, but they’re facing much stronger opposition in the Eels. However, they were too good for them earlier this year and that can be used as a form guide.
Betting online markets have the Rabbitohs at -3½, but there are some concerns about the lineup. They have Lachlan Ilias at halfback and Izaac Thompson on the line, so there is inexperience at key positions.
However, Ilias has been getting guidance from former Rabbitohs half Adam Reynolds.
“Reyno has been really supportive this whole season,” Ilias told FoxSports. “Through the ups and downs, Reyno is Reyno … he is a really good bloke“.
“He’s experienced it all. He made sure I was OK and said to stay positive. Obviously, in previous seasons I spent a lot of time learning from him and this season he has been really good to me. He is massive in my development.”
We see why the Rabbitohs are favored to win but it should be a closer game than expected.
Eels vs Rabbitohs Head-to-Head
The Rabbitohs ran away with the previous meeting, scoring a 30-12 win at home. They have the 19-17 historic edge over the Eels.
They are seeking three consecutive wins against the Eels, having won 40-12 on the road in 2021.
Eels vs Rabbitohs Game Information
- Game: Parramatta Eels (13-7) vs South Sydney Rabbitohs (12-8)
- Location: CommBank Stadium
- Day/Time: Friday, 5:55 a.m. ET
- Live Stream: RugbyPass
Eels vs Rabbitohs Betting Lines
Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
Parramatta Eels |
+3½ -105
|
+130 |
45½ -120o
|
|
South Sydney Rabbitohs
|
-3½ -135 | -170 |
45½ -120u
|
Eels vs Rabbitohs Prediction
Statistics are pointing towards backing the Rabbitohs but we’re going out on a limb and taking the Eels in an upset.
We have been impressed with their recent form and the Rabbitohs tend to have a bad week following a big victory.
The +130 odds are too good to pass up for a team playing at home and coming off consecutive wins.