NRL
  • Home
  • NRL

Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL Tips - Bunnies return to winners circle

andrew-hendrie
Editor
Last updated: Thu 26 Jun 2025 14:51

In the NRL Round 17, the Dolphins face off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs aim to capitalize on their previous close contest victory, while Dolphins struggle with recent form inconsistencies. Key players return for the Rabbitohs, enhancing their chances against a Dolphins squad dealing with critical injuries. Both teams have shown varied form, and the Rabbitohs, despite a rough draw, stand a good chance to capitalize on the momentum. Alex Johnston's exceptional try-scoring ability remains a focal point, edging closer to Ken Irvine's record.

Andrew Hendrie 26 Jun 2025
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs expert predictions for Saturday's NRL Round 17 game
  • Kick off is at 7.35pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium
  • Rabbitohs to make it two wins from two vs Dolphins this season
  • Alex Johnston coming off four tries last week; will obviously be a huge threat again out wide
  • Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bets
Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL Tips


Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, NRL Round 17 - Expert Prediction


It's the master up against the apprentice as Wayne Bennett looks to orchestrate an upset win over his former club and Kristian Woolf to conclude Super Saturday action at Suncorp.

  • Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, NRL Round 17 - Expert Prediction
  • Head To Head
  • Dolphins Form Analysis & Betting Trends
  • Recent Form
  • 2025 Betting Trends
  • Dolphins Team News
  • Dolphins Team List
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis & Betting Trends
  • Recent Form
  • 2025 Betting Trends
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News
  • South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List
The Rabbitohs managed to grind out a tough 16-14 victory over the Dolphins earlier this season and I'm backing the Bunnies to double down here.

Souths have showcased tremendous fight and a willingness to grind all season long under Bennett and they've copped a horrendous draw over the last month, with their last four defeats coming against top four teams in the Bulldogs, Storm, Raiders and Warriors.

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Rd 17 Cheat Sheet
Download PDF


Such has been their motto all season, the Rabbitohs kept three of those defeats to a converted try's margin - including last week's 25-24 golden point loss to the Storm. I believe this is a great chance for the Rabbitohs to return to the winners circle, with the Dolphins seeing the wheels fall off their attack in a disappointing 26-20 defeat to the struggling Knights last week in Perth. Alex Johnston continues to edge closer to Ken Irvine's all-time NRL try-scoring record after bagging four last week and once again has be included for ATS.

  • Rabbitohs have won two of the three previous meetings between the teams
  • Rabbitohs have faced all four top four teams in their last four defeats
  • Dolphins coming off poor defeat to the Knights last week
  • Rabbitohs have seen Under 49.5 points in 13 of their 15 games this season
  • The previous meeting between the teams this season saw just 30 points
  • Alex Johnston has scored 10 tries in his last five games & is just seven away from the all-time record

Head To Head


The Rabbitohs have won two of the three previous encounters, including a 16-14 victory back in Round 1.

Dolphins Form Analysis & Betting Trends


Recent Form


Last 5 W/LLast 5 ATSLast 5 O/U
3-23-23-2

The Dolphins were the hottest team in the competition heading into last week, scoring 44, 56 & 58 points in thumping wins over the Bulldogs, Dragons and Cowboys.

However, it was Phins Down in Perth as Kristian Woolf's side failed to break down a tough Knights' defence, ultimately succumbing 26-20.

It's a disappointing halt of momentum for the Dolphins, who had an excellent chance to cement their top eight status, but instead come into this clash languishing in ninth.

2025 Betting Trends


ATSOver/Under1-1213+
9-66-91-76-1

Dolphins Team News


Big blow for the Dolphins, with Jack Bostock sidelined for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.

Junior Tupou comes into the side for his first game since Round 2 on the wing, while Josh Kerr has been recalled on the bench with last week's debutant Aublix Tawha dropping out.

Dolphins Team List


1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Junior Tupou
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Francis Molo
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Mark Nicholls
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Oryn Keeley
13. Kurt Donoghoe

Interchange
14. Harrison Graham
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Ray Stone
17. Josh Kerr

Reserves
18. Sean O’Sullivan
19. Max Feagai
20. Aublix Tawha
21. Tevita Naufahu
22. Peter Hola

South Sydney Rabbitohs Form Analysis & Betting Trends


Recent Form


Last 5 W/LLast 5 ATSLast 5 O/U
1-43-23-2

It's been a tough season for the Rabbitohs - they've been constantly plagued by injuries to key players and they've had a rough draw over the last month to slip to 16th on the ladder.

Indeed, the Bunnies have run into top four teams in the Warriors, Raiders, Bulldogs and Storm over their last four games.

While they were defeated in all four games, Souths put up a fight in three, going down 24-18 to the Bulldogs, 36-30 to the Warriors and 25-24 to the Storm last week.

With some big ins this week, the Rabbitohs will feel this is their time to get back to winning ways.

2025 Betting Trends


ATSOver/Under1-1213+
9-63-126-50-4

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team News


Campbell Graham (back) and Cody Walker (groin) return for the Rabbitohs, with Jack Wighton shifting  to centre and Euan Aitken going to the back row.

Peter Mamouzelos is also back on the bench, meaning Ryan Gray, Liam Le Blanc and Isaiah Tass drop out.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List


1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Sean Keppie
9. Siliva Havili
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Euan Aitken
12. Tallis Duncan
13. Jai Arrow

Interchange
14. Peter Mamouzelos
15. Lachlan Hubner
16. Davvy Moale
17. Tevita Tatola

Reserves
18. Isaiah Tass
19. Liam Le Blanc
20. Jayden Sullivan
21. Ryan Gray
22. Jacob Host

Verdict

Souths are good value for the upset here - they've had a rough draw lately and now face a Dolphins side reeling from a shock loss to the lowly Knights last week.

Souths have been trending the Unders all season, while Alex Johnston will edge closer to the try-scoring record by adding at least one more four-pointer here.

Best Bet1: Rabbitohs Win H2H $2.40 at Elitebet - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Under 49.5 Total Points $2.00 at Elitebet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Alex Johnston Anytime Tryscorer $1.75 at Ladbrokes Australia - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Alex Johnston First Tryscorer $8.00 at betr - 1 Unit
Rabbitohs Win
H2H
$2.40 - 3 Units
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU

18+. T&Cs apply

Bet at Elitebet
Under 49.5
Total Points
$2.00 - 2 Units
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU

18+. T&Cs apply

Bet at Elitebet
Alex Johnston
Anytime Tryscorer
$1.75 - 1 Unit
Australia's #1 bookmaker
Use the code "BLACKBOOK"

The Ladbrokes.com.au code is BLACKBOOK. 18+ only. T&Cs apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at Ladbrokes Australia
Alex Johnston
First Tryscorer
$8.00 - 1 Unit
The GOAT.
Ahead of the Game.

Join Australia's newest online bookmaker with code BETSAU and enjoy exciting new ways to bet. The app is among the fastest in the market. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at betr

Top Betting Sites

Betting offers

Upcoming Events

Betting Slip | 28 Jun 2025

Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs