Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Predictions: Bennett to beat former and future employers

Wayne Bennett goes up against not just his former employers but also his future ones on Thursday when his Dolphins host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL Premiership (kick-off 10:50 BST, 19:50 local, live on Sky Sports Arena)

The legendary head coach has already signed a three-year deal to return to the Rabbitohs in 2025, but this week his job will be to land a blow on a side whose 1-9 start has made way for five straight wins. My Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs predictions will see Bennett coming out on top…

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Odds

Dolphins are expected to come out on top in this one, priced by Betfred at 4/6. You can get 13/10 for the Rabbitohs to win, while the draw in 80 minutes is available at 20/1.

There’s a price boost with Betfred on the Dolphins to score both the first and the last tries of the game, with the initial 2/1 now boosted to 9/4.

Team News

As ever at this time of year, the team selections are compromised by Origin call-ups, with the Dolphins happy to know that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is back after a shoulder complaint but still unable to call upon the dazzling utility due to his Queensland duties.

Bennett is also without Felise Kaufusi ahead of Game 3 next Wednesday, but Jack Bostock returns after suffering concussion.

Rugby League Odds

The Dolphins have no Kurt Donoghoe, Jeremy Marshall-King, Tom Gilbert or Tom Flegler with the latter pair not expected back until 2025. Tesi Niu drops out to make way for Bostock.

The Bunnies are without New South Wales call-up Cameron Murray, but Siliva Havili is back in contention after a calf injury. Their biggest blow, though, is the loss of Latrell Mitchell for a month due to a foot injury, Jye Gray coming in for the Kangaroos superstar.

Dolphins to score first and last tries in the game @ 9/4 (Price Boost from 2/1)

I’m a sucker for a Price Boost, and this one looks pretty tasty. Dolphins are the classier outfit of the two, despite the Rabbitohs recent uptick in results, and I fancy the home side to cross for a fair few tries at Kayo Stadium.

The loss of Mitchell is a big blow to the Bunnies, who suddenly have their eyes trained on finals football thanks to their improvement under Ben Hornby. That injury blow, while not as bad as first feared, could result in a setback this week, and the Dolphins certainly know their way to the try line.

The 9/4 price translates to a 30.8% probability, which I think is decent value.

Over 48.5 Total Points @ 5/6

Eight of the Rabbitohs’ 15 matches so far this season have seen 49 or more points scored, while the Dolphins have played out such results in seven of their 15.

High-scoring fixtures are strangers to neither side, and I can see that barrier being breached once more on Thursday.

Bennett’s side have a real flair about them but also are very breachable, with 10 of their 24 games last term having also coming in at over 48.5 points. Only the Eels, Titans and Bulldogs tallied more for-and-against points than the Dolphins’ 1151 last season (520 to 631), meaning the over is often a great bet in their matches.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.