Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs preview

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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs Sunday 4:05pm at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale / Cammeraygal

Sunday afternoon footy heads to the Northern Beaches as the Manly Sea Eagles host the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a must-win clash for both clubs.

Since 1998, these two sides have faced off 45 times, with South Sydney holding the slight advantage—winning 23 games to Manly's 22. Recent history favours the visitors, with the Rabbitohs claiming victory in eight of their past nine meetings, including a 14-0 shutout the last time they met. That said, Manly haven't beaten Souths at 4 Pines Park since 2019, and coach Anthony Seibold has a poor personal record against Wayne Bennett-led teams, managing just two wins from eight attempts.

The Sea Eagles will take confidence from their 28-10 win over the Wests Tigers last week, though the performance was far from polished. It took until the 39th minute for them to open the scoring, but once they clicked into gear, the home crowd was treated to a flurry of late points. Tom Trbojevic looked much more comfortable in the centres, racking up 136 metres and seven tackle busts, while Tolu Koula and Reuben Garrick combined well on the left edge. Luke Brooks sparked a short-side play that led to a slick try, and Ben Trbojevic crossed late from a clever Daly Cherry-Evans chip. 

With both DCE and Jake Trbojevic back full-time after Origin and just one change to last week's side—Tommy Talau in for the injured Nathan Brown—the Sea Eagles look settled and ready to push for a late-season surge.

For the Rabbitohs, the downward spiral continued last week in Brisbane as they were torn apart 50-28 by the Dolphins in the highest-scoring match of the 2025 season so far. It marked South Sydney's fifth straight loss, with a concerning 171 points conceded during that stretch. Still, there were some flashes of brilliance, particularly from Jack Wighton—who scored a double—and Latrell Mitchell, who was involved in the opening try and converted well from out wide. Souths did rally somewhat in the second half, but defensive lapses and poor discipline saw them overrun again. 

With Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker unavailable due to Origin and injury, respectively, Alex Johnston shifts to fullback, Jack Wighton moves into the halves, and Isaiah Tass comes onto the wing. Euan Aitken slots into the centres, and two new faces—Liam Le Blanc and Lewis Dodd—join the bench. Brandon Smith is listed on the extended reserves but looks unlikely to feature.

Last meeting: Round 16 2024 - Rabbitohs 14 Sea Eagles 0

Who to watch: Manly centre Tolu Koula is becoming a Northern Beaches fan favourite, having scored in six straight games at 4 Pines Park. His speed and support play have made him a consistent threat on the left edge.

For South Sydney, Jack Wighton has an impressive record at Brookvale, with five tries in his last five games at the venue. With added responsibility in the halves, he'll need to steer the side around and provide spark in attack.

Favourite: Manly are the favourites according to current betting markets.

My tip: South Sydney are missing too many key players and leaking far too many points to inspire much confidence. Manly, buoyed by home support and Origin reinforcements, should get the job done comfortably. Sea Eagles by 12.

1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Michael Chee Kam

1. Alex Johnston 2. Isaiah Tass 12. Tallis Duncan 4. Campbell Graham 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 22. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Jai Arrow 20. Jacob Host 13. Lachlan Hubner 9. Siliva Havili 15. Liam Le Blanc 16. Davvy Moale 18. Ryan Gray 17. Lewis Dodd

Referees: Wyatt Raymond; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;