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Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs preview

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After a demoralising loss to the Sharks last week the Rabbitohs make the trek north of the Spit Bridge knowing defeat will see them lose touch with the other would-be contenders on the periphery of the top eight.

Souths sit precariously in 12th place on the ladder on 16 competition points (trailing the Sharks on points differential) but just one win away from joining the congested rung occupied by four other clubs. A win at Brookvale Oval would keep them in the hunt but a loss would mean they’d need to win a minimum seven of their last eight to progress beyond Round 26.

Meanwhile the Sea Eagles spent the bye week regrouping after their away loss to the Dragons in what was close to the game of the year. Both sides didn’t give an inch, especially in the second half when they completed their sets at a phenomenal 93 per cent each (both sides incomplete on just one occasion).

The Dragons’ subsequent loss to the Knights and the Sea Eagles’ bye sees the northern beaches team leapfrog the premiers into second place on the table (on 26 competition points, ahead by just one point); they trail the Storm by one win. But that would change again this week should the Sea Eagles stumble, with the Dragons resting up with their second bye.

Meanwhile the Cowboys and Broncos are nipping at Manly’s heels; the Broncos are guaranteed elevation to 26 points while a Cowboys win over the Knights in Newcastle would see them on 26 points too.

It just goes to show how important every match is from here on in, including games involving sides battling for an all-important top-four ranking.

Manly will be out to avenge their 32-30 loss to the Rabbitohs at Bluetongue Stadium in Round 4 when Souths led 32-16 with nine minutes remaining before the Sea Eagles rallied with three quick-fire tries to almost steal the win.

In team changes, Manly will rush back NSW Origin players Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart. Steve Matai is out, replaced by promising Michael Oldfield at left centre. David Williams has recovered from the injury that limited his game time against the Dragons and will start on the right wing. Prop Brent Kite returns from a long lay-off, pushing George Rose to the bench, while Joe Galuvao will start in the second row with Vic Mauro hitting the pine. Back-rower Shane Rodney rejoins the squad after recovering from the shoulder dislocation he suffered playing NSW Cup in Round 1.

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