Rugby League / James Cleary / 07 August 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now

James Cleary sees revenge on the minds of the Wests Tigers as they look to secure a play-off berth with victory over neighbours the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.

Beaten 50-10 in week 10 by South Sydney, the Tigers have since enjoyed a run of eight wins in 10 based largely on a back-to-basics approach of percentage play and solid defence. A victory here for Tim Sheens' team would not only strengthen their top-four aim, but would also raise a big question mark over the Rabbitohs' play-off ambitions.

The Rabbitohs lie 9th, one win outside the play-offs with five games of the regular season left. Apart from the top two, they have the best points difference in the competition, which could prove crucial, although realistically they will need at least three wins from their remaining fixtures to confirm their end-of-season spot.

While the Rabbitohs went down 32-12, the Tigers were fortunate to overcome Cronulla by two points, and yet despite impress overall form, the week before went down to the Sea Eagles.

Historically, the fixture is pretty even, with the Tigers currently edging the head-to-head 8-7. Ignoring the 50-10 mauling last time out, they have won five of the last eight between the sides, and at the ANZ Stadium have a perfect 3-0 record.

Sam Burgess is ruled out for the home side having been forced to serve a ban, while the Rabbitohs will also be without Michael Crocker, Luke Stuart, Dave Taylor and Beau Falloon (broken arm). However, they are boosted by the return of Beau Champion, while Jaiman Lowe replaces Burgess and Issac Luke comes in for Falloon. Craig Stapleton and Shannon McPherson are added to the bench.

The Tigers welcome back Wade McKinnon, with Mitch Brown making way for Beau Ryan who switches to wing. Their other change comes on the bench with Andrew Fifita replacing Mark Flanagan.

The Rabbitohs' weaknesses have been well documented - they have the worst effective tackle percentage in the competition, with half-back Chris Sandow a particular culprit in this area. Fourteen-try Beau Champion's return is at least a boost, particularly breaking from deep. They will also look to Isaac Luke to reproduce his early season form in attacking areas. The battle with Robbie Farah could prove crucial to the outcome of this clash.

Given the Bunnies' absences and relatively impressive form, it is hard to go against the Tigers, particularly given their keenness to make up for the embarrassment of week 10. Defeat would all but end the Rabbitohs' play-off chances, and that's the outcome I'll go for here, by at least 10 points.