NRL / James Cleary / 02 September 2010 / Leave a comment Free Bet View Market

James Cleary is eager to watch the final game of the regular 2010 season, which will determine the potential fate of South Sydney Rabbitohs.

If the Rabbitohs are out of the play-off running ahead of kick-off, the Dragons could win by over 20.

Outside the top eight ahead of the last round of fixtures, the results between the Broncos v Raiders and the Bulldogs v Sea Eagles games will leave the Rabbitohs with the knowledge of what they have to do here.

What is certain is that victory is needed at the home of the 2010 table-toppers - a team against whom they have a far from impressive record.

Wayne Bennett's Dragons side, which could face the Rabbitohs again in the play-offs depending on the result here, survived a Knights fight-back last week to win 26-18, while the Rabbitohs kept their top-eight ambitions alive with a 24-16 victory over the Eels - a match which was scoreless at the changeover.

The Dragons are 12-3 up in the head-to-head record, winning six of the last eight, although the Rabbitohs did record a 41-6 victory at ANZ Stadium last year. Last time out the home side were unconvincing 16-13 victors thanks to Mark Gasnier's late try.

The home side are boosted by the return of Beau Scott (hamstring), with his selection likely to mean Matt Prior moves to the bench. Other replacement options include Nathan Fien, Trent Merrin, Jarrod Saffy, Nick Emmett, Kyle Stanley, Jon Green and Luke Priddis, who, having announced his impending retirement, is likely to be given one last appearance in NRL.

The Bunnies must do without injured lock Jason Clark, although the return of Eddy Pettybourne is a welcome boost. Michael Crocker is expected to replace Clark at lock. Chris Sandow is expected to start despite dislocating his finger mid-week, while Dave Taylor has also been selected ahead of Dave Tyrrell to the bench.

In terms of players to watch, Mark Gasnier will be hoping for a big game ahead of the play-offs, and with the Rabbitohs weak on their left, it could be an area worth exploiting. What will also be a concern for the Dragons is the fact they have leaked 50 points in their last two games.

Issac Luke will be a key man for the visitors, his runs from dummy-half a big factor, while team-mate Dave Taylor offers a creative threat. Sam Burgess is also a big player for the away side, although they will hope he can banish his growing habit for conceding silly penalties.

One grain of hope for the Bunnies is ref Ben Cummins, under who the Dragons have won just three of 12 games. Despite this 'hoodoo', they should have too much quality, and having shown they were up for the fight last week when they could have been forgiven for winding down ahead of the play-offs, they will aim to carry that momentum into this one.

If the Rabbitohs are out of the play-off running ahead of kick-off, the Dragons could win by over 20.

If not?

They should still have enough to take the points.

For the latest news, stats and the ladder, check out the
BETFAIR'S NRL STATS ZONE.