Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 1 clash between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Date: Sunday March 3rd, 1:30pm AEDT
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 20. Aaron Woods 21. Tommy Talau 22. Brad Parker
Rabbitohs: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Siliva Havili 15. Jacob Host 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess 18. Tallis Duncan 19. Michael Chee Kam 20. Shaquai Mitchell 21. Peter Mamouzelos 24. Dean Hawkins
Referee: Ashley Klein
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Sea Eagles and the Rabbitohs kick off the season with a historic trip to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. American fans may be unfamiliar with football without pads and a helmet, but they will be getting a great introduction with some incredible talent on show on the same field that recently hosted Super Bowl LVIII.
South Sydney were top of the table after 11 rounds last season before the wheels fell off the wagon and the side missed the finals by just one win. The Rabbitohs will be eager to hit the ground running and the bright lights of Vegas will provide the perfect backdrop for a team boasting stars Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, and Damien Cook – who will be looking to put on a show.
The Sea Eagles are another side stinging from missing the finals and experienced halfback Daly Cherry-Evans will play a huge role in his side’s fortunes on gameday. If DCE is able to combine with new halves partner Luke Brooks and unlock his running game, they could pile on the points against their more fancied opponents.
The match-up that will have most fans licking their lips is of course the battle of the fullbacks. Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic both possess an incredible combination of strength, speed, and skill and can turn a game on its head with a single moment of brilliance. The team that can bring their superstar into the game and allow them to stamp their mark will give their side a serious upper hand.
On the injury front, Manly will be looking to take full advantage of a weakened Souths backline missing Campbell Graham and Jack Wighton, while Manly is missing Josh Schuster and Matthew Lodge.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 1 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Sea Eagles by 6 points.
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