2020 NRL – South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles taking place? Saturday 22nd August, 2020 – 10:35 (UK)
Where is South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles taking place? ANZ Stadium, Sydney
What is the expected weather for South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles? 11c, windy
What channel is South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
Where can I get tickets for South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches
THE TEAM NEWS
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Starting 13: Mitchell, Johnston, Graham, Gagai, Paulo, Walker, Reynolds, Tatola, Cook, Burgess, Su’A, Sironen, Murray – Interchanges: Nicholls, Koloamatangi, Mago, Dillon – Reserves: Cartwright, Marsters
Unavailable: Tom Amone (Injured), Braidon Burns (Injured), James Roberts (Injured), Ethan Lowe (Injured), Hame Sele (Injured), Jack Johns (Injured), Liam Knight (Suspended)
- South Sydney Rabbitohs were involved in a thrilling game with North Queensland Cowboys last week and after levelling the scores late on, they were able to roll up the field to snatch a dramatic victory thanks to Adam Reynolds’ last-gasp field goal.
- Neither side defended well and the lead changed hands on several occasions but the Rabbitohs did what was required to earn the win and solidify their spot in the top eight, although this is now a key clash for them in that respect.
- The Rabbitohs have been forced into a change with Liam Knight copping a ban so Bayley Sironen has been named to start in the second row and Kurt Dillon is the new face on the bench.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Starting 13: Garrick, Taufua, Parker, Suli, Funa, Cust, Cherry-Evans, Paseka, Levi, Taupau, Sironen, Waddell, J. Trbojevic – Interchanges: Croker, Keppie, Olakau’atu, Gosiewski – Reserves: Miski, Fonua-Blake
Unavailable: Manase Fainu (Disciplinary), Tom Trbojevic (Injured), Dylan Walker (Injured), Brendan Elliot (Injured), Joel Thompson (Injured)
- Manly Sea Eagles produced their best performance in three weeks as they pushed Newcastle Knights all the way but it was still not enough to earn the victory as their top eight hopes suffered another blow.
- The Sea Eagles led 0-12 before looking like they had done enough at 20-24 but they conceded late on as they succumbed to a third straight loss which makes this contest a must-win fixture.
- Manly suffered another blow in the backs with Brendan Elliot ruled out for the season with a knee injury so Reuben Garrick will move to fullback and Jorge Taufua is recalled on the wing while Joel Thompson is also out but Martin Taupau is back from a head knock and he could be joined by Addin Fonua-Blake if his fellow prop can prove his fitness before kick-off.
THE PREDICTION
This shapes as a huge game in the season for Manly Sea Eagles with a loss potentially devastating for their chances of playing in the finals. They head into this game with South Sydney Rabbitohs on the back of a three-match losing streak but they will hope the possible return to their starting props could prove pivotal. Souths earned a vital win against North Queensland Cowboys last week to retain some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack but with their defence failing to perform last week, another high-scoring encounter looks likely here with this game set to produce at least 44 points.
