Broncos v Rabbitohs: NRL betting preview, free rugby tips and analysis

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 9.05am Friday

Best bet

South Sydney Rabbitohs
2pts 11-10 Betfred

Match preview

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane can be one of the most intimidating grounds in the NRL at times but there will be an unusually eerie backdrop to Brisbane Broncos' first home game of the season on Friday.

Suncorp would usually be rocking for the visit of South Sydney Rabbitohs but with no fans allowed to spectate NRL games at present, the Rabbitohs will no doubt fancy their chances of maintaining their perfect start to the season after beating Cronulla in round one.

There were plenty of encouraging signs for Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who returns to the club he guided to six NRL Premierships, in their win over the Sharks but also plenty to work on.

South Sydney were cruising at 22-8 in front after an hour but allowed Cronulla back into the game in the final quarter at ANZ Stadium and were eventually left thankful that a Josh Morris score 90 seconds from time was ruled out for a forward pass.

But if they can reproduce the levels they showed in the first hour of that game, they could have Brisbane's measure.

Captain Adam Reynolds completely controlled that contest in the first hour from half-back and there were small glimpses of the magic headline off-season recruit Latrell Mitchell will produce at full-back.

Brisbane were also first-round victors as they beat the Cowboys 28-21 in similar fashion, moving out into a healthy lead before allowing their opponent back into the match.

They will have to do without blockbusting forward Tevita Pangai Junior for four matches after he was banned for a high shot in round one which further depletes a forward pack already missing Matt Lodge, Joe Ofahengaue and captain Alex Glenn.

Winger Corey Oates is another Bronco struggling for fitness which doesn't bode well for the visit of the Bunnies.

In a near pick 'em contest, South Sydney look the team to side with.

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