NRL Round 23 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Preview

What a special occasion it will be on Friday night when the "game of the round" is played up at Gosford. Finally rugby league fans are dragged out of their "Friday league slumber" after countless games involving the Dragons, Roosters and Broncos. This game is sure to deliver a great clash, but more importantly, it will deliver a good guide to where teams are at in the run home to the finals. The Rabbitohs are sitting very pretty on the premiership table, just two points behind the Bulldogs in second place. They have won their past two games without outstanding hooker Isaac Luke and superstar fullback Greg Inglis, but more importantly are playing exciting football capped off by solid defence. Some pundits are still suggesting that like the Bulldogs, they could do with a loss in the run into the finals to refocus them. They're playing good football though so why do they need one? This will be their toughest test to date though and they could drop a game here and still remain firmly in the Top 8. The Sea Eagles are coming home strong also, and only look stronger as they get their full squad of players back on the park. Many will have overlooked the Sea Eagles due to their place on the table, but all of a sudden, they've rocketed back into 4th spot. They're a team that a lot of Top 4 sides would not want to meet because they're very dangerous. This game, if anything, is a dress rehersel for what is to come in the finals. In a week where the Olympics has over shadowed the NRL action, I dare say that many people will take a break from their Olympic viewing to tune into this game.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

First and foremost, Souths fans will be thrilled with the news that Sam Burgess has escaped a penalty from the game against the Titans. He took the early guilty plea and had his charge lowered. The Rabbitohs have also just come out of two games where they were without Isaac Luke and Greg Inglis, arguably the two best for the Rabbitohs this season. They are still without Inglis here, but they gain Luke back. Interestingly though, he is named to return from the bench as Nathan Peats remains at hooker. There is no other changes to the 17, apart from the inclusion of Dave Tyrrell and Roy Asotasi on an extended bench. Coach Michael Maguire has not given away any hints towards who he will go with, but surely Asotasi is a massive chance considering there has been a lot made of his return from injury. The Bunnies face their biggest test and will want to take it to the physical Manly forwards early. That is where the battle will be won and lost and they need to assert their dominance early.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

In a very positive more for the Sea Eagles, they have named another unchanged lineup for this clash. But there is a cloud of uncertanty over their lineup which they will take into this match with a few players under an injury cloud. That is definitely the reason why that have named an extended bench of 6. This includes Dean Whare and Tim Robinson. As stated above, this will be a very physical game. The forwards is where Manly really excel and it allows their halves to take control of the game. When they have lost this season, their forwards have been overpowered throughout. Most notably, the recent loss to the Bulldogs at Brookvale. There is also some suggesting that whilst the players are on the field for Manly, they may not be 100% fit. Only time can tell, but with a quality roster like this, you can never count them out.

Recent History

Overall = Rabbitohs 57 - Sea Eagles 70
Last 5 games = Rabbitohs 2 - Sea Eagles 3
At Bluetounge Stadium = Rabbitohs 1 - Sea Eagles 0

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.80 Sea Eagles $2.05
Centrebet = Rabbitohs $1.85 Sea Eagles $2
Sportsbet = Rabbitohs $1.85 Sea Eagles $1.97
Betfair = Rabbitohs $1.96 Sea Eagles $2.00

Verdict

My first thought on this game is to avoid betting on it because of the inability to pick a clear winner. Both teams look very similar in terms of personell, but Souths are definitely weakened by the absence of Inglis. But momentum in rugby league is a very funny thing. A team like Souths, has plenty in their corner. They are riding the wave of emotion as one of the most successful seasons at the club since 1971 continues on. When they place a limit on themselves, thats when you would begin to worry. Throw in all the travelling that Manly have done in recent weeks and they also look vulnerable. They cannot afford to be off here. As I lean more towards taking the Bunnies, I am reminded of one factor that each time the Sea Eagles have lost a game against a Top 8 opponent. The fact that they get dominated in the forwards. Souths have an enourmous forward pack and should aim to keep the battle there and there only.

Suggested Bet

Rabbitohs @ $1.96 (with Betfair)

Hard, tough clash! = Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $3 - This game should be a very close game and played under a semi final intensity. It is going to be great viewing so you should aim to capitalise on the toughness of the clash and take a small winning margin. It would be very surprising to see either team win this clash 13+ so if you are leaning towards Manly, also take 1-12 ($3.20).

Cover yourself = Rabbitohs +10.5 @ $1.25 = Still unsure about the Rabbitohs ability in a tough game moving towards the semis, then you should cover yourself by taking the Bunnies with a decent start. It should get home in a close match and you will not be knocked out of a bet in the first leg.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips