Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs preview - 2017 Round 2

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Old foes resume hostilities on the Northern Beaches

They may not have come away with the two points last Sunday, but with a chance to make amends in front of their home supporters at Lottoland, the Sea Eagles will be quietly confident heading into Round 2. Forced to make several changes to the forward pack due to suspension and injury, coach Trent Barrett will give new signings Cameron Cullen, Jarrad Kennedy and Shaun Lane their first opportunities in the Maroon and White, while veteran prop Nate Myles has been drafted into the starting side. Showing resolute defence on their tryline for extended periods against the Eels, Manly supporters will be optimistic about the improvements made over the past twelve months, while the developing halves partnership of Daly Cherry-Evans and Blake Green should cause the Rabbitohs plenty of headaches.

After starting the season with so much promise, the Rabbitohs aspirations for 2017 were dealt a harsh blow following the news captain Greg Inglis is set to miss the remainder of the year with an ACL tear. With questions mounting over the decision by coach Michael Maguire to leave Inglis in a passenger capacity against the Tigers, the Bunnies will be hoping a look to the future produces dividends. Having played intermittently in the #1 jersey over the past three years, Alex Johnston will have the task of replacing the legendary Inglis, however if his performance in the Charity Shield is any indication it shouldn't cause too many issue for the South Sydney attack. In other notable selection news, English international Tom Burgess has been relegated to the North Sydney ranks with Angus Crichton earning a call-up, while youngster Braidon Burns' selection signals a well-deserved reward for the debutant.

Last meeting: Round 20 2016 - Rabbitohs 12 Sea Eagles 20

Who to watch: Having been a mainstay of the Raiders forward pack under coach Ricky Stuart, versatile back-rower Jarrad Kennedy will be looking for a fresh start at the Sea Eagles in 2017. Unable to break into the Canberra side at all last year, the 28-year-old will have additional cause for celebration as he registers his 50th appearance in the NRL on Saturday. Predominantly known as an edge forward capable of shifting to the centres if required, expect the former NYC star to fill the void left by the Sea Eagles suspended middle forwards. As an experienced campaigner for the likes of Mounties and Canberra over the past decade, Kennedy has proven himself to be the type of player capable of helping Manly restore their former glory.

While 2016 may not have reached the heights of his rookie campaign, Alex Johnston will be out to make the transition from the player who scores tries to the one who sets them up. Having starred at fullback during his time in the lower grades, the Kangaroos representative has shown his class consistently for the Rabbitohs, but faces a mighty task replacing Greg Inglis. With the South Sydney coaching staff set to invest heavily in the 22-year-old's move to the back, look for the premiership hero to return the favour with a starring role on the field.

The favourite: After showing encouraging signs in their loss to Parramatta, Manly are expected to come out on top at home.

My tip: Despite going down last week, look for the Sea Eagles to feast on the carcass of a Rabbitohs side reeling from the long-term loss of Greg Inglis. Sea Eagles by 8.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Cameron Cullen 15. Lewis Brown 16. Jarrad Kennedy 21. Billy Bainbridge

1. Alex Johnston 2. Braidon Burns 3. Hymel Hunt 18. Robert Jennings 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Cody Walker 21. Adam Reynolds 8. Zane Musgrove 9. Robbie Farah 15. Jason Clark 11. John Sutton 12. Kyle Turner 13. Sam Burgess 14. Damien Cook 16. Angus Crichton 17. Robbie Rochow 20. George Burgess

Referees: Gavin Badger, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy;