SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS VS MANLY SEA EAGLES – FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 7.50PM, ANZ STADIUM
It was a night to forget for the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the Sydney Roosters.
The Roosters simply blew the Rabbitohs off the park early and Wayne Bennett’s men were never able to get into the match.
Despite the heavy nature of that defeat, the Rabbitohs will still go into this clash with the Manly Sea Eagles as clear favourites and they have generally proven tough to beat in this situation.
The two teams played out two one-point thrillers during the regular season, with the home team prevailing on both occasions.
The 21-20 loss in Round 17 is the closest the Sea Eagles have gotten to winning at ANZ Stadium since their preliminary final victory over the Rabbitohs six years ago. They must overcome their venue hoodoo – a run of nine straight losses – if they are to return to the final four for the first time since that victory in 2013.
How To Watch:
Team news:
Rabbitohs: The return of captain Sam Burgess (suspension) and centre Dane Gagai (hamstring) is a huge boost for the Bunnies as they look to keep their season alive. Burgess has been named in the second row at the expense of Jaydn Su’A, who drops to the reserves. Gagai’s return sees Campbell Graham go to the wing and Corey Allan drop out. Tom Burgess has been named to start after coming off the bench last week and he swaps with brother George, who goes to the interchange.
Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau is back on board after a week’s suspension and will start alongside Addin Fonua-Blake in the front row. Sean Keppie drops back to the bench, while Toafofoa Sipley goes back to the reserves. The Sea Eagles have lost their past nine games at ANZ Stadium.
Betting Insights:
- Manly has lost each of its last nine matches at ANZ Stadium.
- South Sydney has won five of its last seven Friday matches at ANZ Stadium by a margin of 1 to 12 points.
- Each of South Sydney’s last six matches at ANZ Stadium have gone UNDER the total match points line.
- Dane Gagai has scored at least one try in five of South Sydney’s last six matches as a favourite.
- Campbell Graham has scored at least one try in four of South Sydney’s last five home matches.
- Jake Trbojevic has scored at least one try in each of Manly’s last two Friday matches against South Sydney.
TIP: Souths in a thriller
