Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles preview

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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Saturday 7:35pm at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal

A Saturday night blockbuster at ANZ Stadium will see South Sydney look to keep their top 8 position safe whilst the Manly Sea Eagles will look to close the gap to the top 8 when the two sides meet.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs last weekend managed to steal victory from the jaws of defeat when they took a 31-30 victory in Townsville. The Rabbitohs were far from their best last weekend and it was some late magic from Adam Reynolds that helped Souths over the line. The Rabbitohs came into last weekend heavy favourites but were pushed by the Cowboys who lead by 6 inside the final five minutes.

The Bunnies have been inconsistent in 2020 heading into this weekend sitting in eighth spot on the NRL ladder. The Rabbitohs have taken 8 victories from their 14 games this season and have won their past three matches. Although, they have won their past three matches they have come against sides outside the top 8 which does put a question mark over the form. South Sydney welcome back coach Wayne Bennett back into the coaches box after his two week quarantine period whilst on the field, the Rabbitohs have lost Liam Knight through suspension. Bayley Sironen comes into the starting side whilst Jack Johns comes onto the bench.

Just a few weeks ago, the Manly Sea Eagles were seen as potential top 4 contenders, now heading into Round 15 they sit in 10th spot on the NRL ladder, sitting four points outside of the top 8. Last weekend, the Manly Sea Eagles saw a lead slip from their grip twice during their 26-24 defeat against the Newcastle Knights. The Sea Eagles lead 12-0 early in the match before slipping behind before turning it around to take a 24-20 lead only for it to vanish late as they slipped to defeat.

The Sea Eagles have suffered three straight defeats heading into Round 15 and have only scored two victories since their Round 6 victory over Canberra, including their 22-18 upset victory over Parramatta. Although Manly have only scored two victories in their past five matches, the match last weekend showed they can match top 8 sides.

Manly coach Des Hasler has been forced into team changes yet again following injury to Brendan Elliott. Reuben Garrick has been named at fullback whilst Manly get a boost with Jorge Taufua returning to the wing after missing last week. The other changes see Martin Taupau back to the front row with Jack Trbojevic at lock. Corey Waddell has been pushed to the bench whilst Jack Gosiewski is back to the reserves.

Last meeting: Finals Week 2 2019 - Rabbitohs 34 Sea Eagles 26

Who to watch: Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds was the key reason for Souths victory last weekend in Townsville. Although he missed a conversion that would've levelled the scores, it was his boot that ultimately restored parity through a penalty goal, before nailing the 80th minute field goal that gave the Rabbitohs the one-point victory. Like the rest of his team, Reynolds has had an inconsistent season but on Saturday will need to be at his best if the Bunnies want to take victory.

Manly five-eighth Cade Cust has been a solid performer for the Sea Eagles in 2020 complimenting Daly Cherry-Evans. Cust has been required to stand up for Manly since coming into the side in Round 7 and although the Eagles have put just two wins together, Cust has been a key playmaker for Manly during this time. If Manly want to get past the Rabbitohs this weekend, then Cust will need to take a key part with DCE to get Manly over the line.

The favourite: On the basis of better form and a rising injury toll for their opponents, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are heavy favourites for victory.

My tip: Although South Sydney only just got over the Cowboys last weekend, they will be better suited to the conditions of ANZ Stadium on Saturday night. The Sea Eagles were good last week but their overall form has been poor and with the potential of players missing the game through injury could harm their chances. The game will be tough but Souths should have enough to get the win over Manly. Rabbitohs by 8.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 22. Steven Marsters 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su'A 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Cameron Murray 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Keaon Koloamatangi 16. Patrick Mago 21. Kurt Dillon

1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Tevita Funa 6. Cade Cust 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Danny Levi 21. Addin Fonua-Blake 15. Corey Waddell 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 10. Martin Taupau 14. Lachlan Croker 16. Sean Keppie 20. Jack Gosiewski

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Dave Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Henry Perenara, Bryan Norrie;