The Manly Sea Eagles have created history in rugby league's inaugural venture to Las Vegas with a 36-24 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allegiant Stadium.
Opening the 2024 season in the first match of a double header played in the Nevada desert, the Sea Eagles fought back from an early second half deficit to claim only their second round one victory in 11 years and their first win against the Rabbitohs since 2019.
After withstanding a physical barrage during the opening exchanges, the Rabbitohs stuck an early blow with Damien Cook sending Richie Kennar (6th minute) over for first points after a fortuitous kick from Cody Walker gave the ‘visitors' strong field position.
Responding midway through the opening half after a near miss from Tom Trbojevic, the Sea Eagles capitalised on a scrum play with Haumole Olakau'atu (22nd minute) powering his way over the line.
The Rabbitohs took advantage of Luke Brooks dropping the ball over the line with Latrell Mitchell throwing a superb cut-out pass which allowed Jacob Gagai (30th minute) enough space to cross for a four-pointer in his first grade debut.
With halftime approaching and Tom Trbojevic denied another try by the bunker, the Sea Eagles struck an unlikely blow with Jason Saab (38th minute) swooping on an intercept from Mitchell to send the maroon and whites to the sheds with a 12-10 advantage.
Making amends immediately following the resumption of play, Mitchell (43rd minute) rose to the occasion with a powerful charge close to the line before delivering the final pass to send Alex Johnston (47th minute) over out wide.
Facing the largest deficit of the match, the Sea Eagles responded by making their opponents pay for mistakes with Lachlan Croker (49th minute) and Ben Trbojevic (53rd minute) crossing in quick succession to turn a 12-20 deficit into a 24-20 lead.
Continuing the one-way flow of points with Daly Cherry-Evans setting up a try for Reuben Garrick (60th minute), the Rabbitohs began to lose touch with the contest following a slew of errors at both ends of the field.
The Sea Eagles completed a remarkable second half turnaround with Brooks (76th minutes) clinching the result with a show-and-go, while a late try to Kennar (78th minute) offered the Rabbitohs mere consolation as the Sea Eagles claimed a 36-24 victory in the season opener.
Upon return to Australia, the Sea Eagles will host the Roosters in a Sunday afternoon match, while the Rabbitohs will face the Broncos in a Thursday evening away trip.
Match Highlights - #NRLManlySouths
The Sea Eagles produced a powerhouse second half to grab their slice of rugby league history with a win over the Rabbitohs in Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/Hp5Ny2XemU
— NRL (@NRL) March 3, 2024