Bunnies are favourites, but don’t count out the Bulldogs

The hype has been all about the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the lead-up to the NRL grand final, but their opponents the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs should not be counted out of the running.

The Rabbitohs, known as the heart of rugby league, have done well to bear up under immense scrutiny throughout the finals series, and are on the verge of breaking a 43-year premiership drought.

Watch the NRL grand final live on Channel Nine from 7.20pm tonight, with game-day coverage starting on Nine with the Sunday Footy Show from 11.30am.

In the past week, Redfern has been plastered with posters, ribbons and balloons in the Bunnies' cardinal and myrtle colours, and training sessions at Redfern Oval have been attended by crowds of the faithful.

The focus on South Sydney is understandable, as is their status as firm favourites to win today.

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Sportsbet has the Rabbitohs at $1.40 to win, compared to the Bulldogs at $3.05.

But even without in-form captain and hooker Michael Ennis, the boys from Belmore pose a threat to the more fancied Rabbitohs.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler knows what it takes to win on the big stage, having coached in five grand finals during his coaching career for two wins.

Many of his team also have finals experience, with the Bulldogs having gone to the decider as recently as 2012.

Canterbury-Bankstown have also toppled a number of highly-favoured opponents throughout the season, and have been particular specialists at close games.

One such win was a 15-14 victory over the Bunnies back in round seven.

Ultimately, the Rabbitohs should have too much firepower for the Bulldogs tonight.

But if over-confidence, the weight of expectations or an early Doggies surge puts the Bunnies on the back foot, an upset could certainly be on the cards.