RUGBY LEAGUE BETTING PREVIEW - REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS VS SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Rugby League

2025-06-28 - Redcliffe Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

A Sports Betting Preview by Stu

Redcliffe Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Rugby League : Australia : NRL Season 2025
Saturday 28th June 2025 - KO 1950 AEST

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Redcliffe Dolphins

The Dolphins, in only their third NRL season, have quickly forged a reputation for attacking flair and resilience. Jamayne Isaako remains a standout, leading the competition in points through a combination of accurate goal-kicking and consistent try-scoring.

Alongside him, dynamic talents such as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi provide genuine strike power across the park. A major advantage for the Dolphins lies in their home form; they’ve won four of their last six at Suncorp and are coming off dominant victories, including a 58–4 demolition of their Queensland rivals Cowboys in Round 15.

These results reflect a squad not only confident but increasingly cohesive winning 3 straight before an upset loss last weekend to the Knights.

The Dolphins have quietly moved up to 9th on 7-8 record and are yet to have 2 of their 3 byes this season – a top 8 spot is theirs to lose.


However, the Dolphins are not without flaws. They’ve struggled for consistency, especially away from Brisbane, and questions linger over their defensive structure in tight contests.

While they boast attacking flair, lapses in concentration could leave them exposed, particularly if they underestimate a Rabbitohs side beginning to show signs of improvement with close losses to top 4 teams, the Storm and Bulldogs in recent weeks.

Redcliffe Dolphins Team news – Junior Tupou to replace Bostock who is gone for the season and Josh Kerr comes onto the bench.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

South Sydney have endured a turbulent season, plagued by injuries and form fluctuations despite the addition of Wayne Bennett who has returned to coach Souths for the second time in his career.

Yet, under Bennett’s calming influence, there are signs of a resurgence. Wins over the Warriors, Panthers, and Dragons in recent weeks suggest the Rabbitohs might be turning a corner, but being placed 16th on a 6-9 record suggests an almighty turnaround is needed to make the post-season in 2025.

Nevertheless, their away form is a significant concern. Souths have won just two of their last eleven games outside of Sydney, and their against-the-spread record on the road is similarly poor, with just one cover in their last nine.

Defensively, they are leaking an average of 28.4 points per game – among the worst in the competition – which could prove costly against the Dolphins fast-paced offence, often off the back of an offload or quick shift to the flanks.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News – Campbell Graham, Cody Walker and Peter Mamouzelos all return to start.

Odds

The home team Dolphins lead the betting favourites, $1.65 to $2.25, the line is 3.5 points and combined points 49.5

The Betting Verdict

As Round 17 of the NRL season unfolds, a compelling clash awaits between the Dolphins and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium. Both teams enter this fixture with plenty to prove, albeit from different trajectories.

The Dolphins are riding a wave of strong attacking form and solid home performances, while the Rabbitohs continue to build under the guidance of the returning Wayne Bennett, despite key personnel losses.

Previous match ups have resulted in a 1-2 lead to Souths, both matches from 2023 and 24 hit the 50-point mark, the last match played was round one this season, Souths sneaking home 16-14 thanks to a late try to Tass for Souths. At this venue, the Dolphins hold a 6-6 record, while the visitors, 15-18 at Suncorp.

From a betting perspective, markets have installed the Dolphins as narrow favourites, with a line of –3.5 and a total points mark around 49.5. However, given the Dolphins recent form, home advantage, and the Rabbitohs travel woes, many punters, including myself are leaning toward the Queensland side.

The over on total points appears quite likely, with both teams prone to high-scoring encounters. One standout player market is Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to score a try at any time, he is in-line to possibly take over the fullback role in Origin so has plenty to play for, his speed and attacking instincts make this a great choice for any same game multis.

In conclusion, this match promises to be a high-energy, free-flowing contest. While the Rabbitohs have the experience and coaching to mount a serious challenge, the Dolphins appear better positioned to prevail, particularly with the Suncorp crowd behind them.

A final scoreline around 30–22 in favour of the Dolphins feels likely.
From a betting standpoint, the smart plays are Dolphins to win and cover the –3.5 spread, with the total going over 49.5 being the selected option here.

The Pick :

Redcliffe Dolphins 30-22 South Sydney Rabbitohs

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take the combined points over 49.5 points at $1.91 with Bet365