UNKNOWN Sea Eagles prop Lama Tasi has no fears of taming prized Rabbitohs recruits Sam Burgess and Dave Taylor in what is shaping as an epic NRL pre-season mismatch.

A rookie Sea Eagles squad with just eight NRL games between them will be thrust into battle against South Sydney at Redfern Oval on Sunday night.

Experienced forward Phil Morwood is the only Sea Eagles player in the squad of 26 to have played in the NRL, having played eight matches since his debut in 2004.

Opposing the youngsters will be high-profile Rabbitohs recruits Sam Burgess and Dave Taylor.

Tasi, only 19, said facing Burgess and Taylor will be a unique experience, but one he’s ready for.

“I’ll just try and get a good shot on them,” the Sea Eagles teenager, a warehouse assistant at Innovations in Frenchs Forest, said late on Monday.

“And just try and match them and see if I’m capable.

“I’ll be a bit nervous, it’s just going to be an exciting experience for us.

“Everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”

Fellow young Sea Eagles forward Mitch Jowett said he wouldn’t take a backward step against the Rabbitohs big name recruits if they come his way.

“If they ran at me I’ll do my best to put a good shot on,” the 20-year-old backrower/prop said.

“It’s going to be pretty daunting, but that’s footy.

“There’s always a few nerves before a game but it’s a dream to go up against those guys.

“I watched both of them on the telly last year and they were both pretty good.

“It’s going to be a good test, especially for all us young guys.”

Sea Eagles Toyota Cup coach David Penna said his players have nothing to fear as they aim to shake-up the Bunnies on Sunday night.

“I don’t think the boys will back out of it,” the coach said.

“It’ll be a good little test for them, give them a good indication of where they are at.”

Seven NRL-experienced South Sydney players are expected to play in the trial against Manly’s kids, including Luke Capewell and Shaune Corrigan.

“I’m just happy for the young blokes to play some good quality footy,” Penna said.

“It will be a good opportunity for them to blow-out a few cobwebs.

“It will just be a good trial, good for the people of Redfern.”

Manly’s youngsters in the extended squad include, Scott Blanch, Mick Chapman, Daly Cherry-Evans, Junior Palau, James Cunningham, Sione Ala, Taylor Matthews, Rowan Klein, Jack Webster, Sione Fakahua and Mitch Kay.

Limited tickets remain for Sunday’s trial, with organisers expecting to fill the old ground, with 5000 people tipped to attend.

The Sea Eagles top squad will start their trials against Cronulla at Toyota Park on Friday, February 12, followed by the Warriors on February 27 at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.