[NRL] Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs: Round 4 preview
Manly broke through for their first win in no uncertain terms with last week's demolition of the Warriors, highlighting how important Tom Trbojevic is to his team after he returned from an injury layoff.
The challenge now is to prove it was no fluke against one of the competition heavyweights.
Manly can play without pressure because they aren't expected to win and should be spurred on by a healthy home crowd after their emphatic victory in Christchurch.
The Bunnies looked like posting a cricket score last week against the Titans before dangerously easing off the gas in the second half.
Wayne Bennett will want an 80-minute effort on Saturday afternoon.
The Rundown
Key match-up
Damien Cook has been in good early-season form with his ability to get the Bunnies moving forward and timely darts from dummy-half. Apisai Koroisau has also been impressive despite Manly's patchy start to the season and his duel with Origin hooker Cook will be one to watch.
For the Sea Eagles to win
Another five-star display from 'Turbo Tom' won't hurt, while Daly Cherry-Evans should be keen to back up his best game of the season with another striong showing. But the Sea Eagles need to make a few defensive adjustments if they are going to overcome the unbeaten Bunnies.
For the Rabbitohs to win
They never really looked like losing last week but things got a bit uncomfortable in the final 20 minutes and the Rabbitohs shouldn't have allowed it to get that close. Greg Inglis is still out and now Braidon Burns has joined him on the sideline, so Bennett will have to make sure his outside backs are on their toes defensively after Manly put 46 on the Warriors.
Brett Kimmorley says
Tom Trbojevic was the star for Manly last week. He gives them so much confidence. Both Manly front rowers (Addin Fonua-Blake and Martin Taupau) can lay the foundation for the Se Eagles. I’m loving watching Damien Cook play. Now he is linking up with players when he runs as well as just darting out of dummy half. Cook’s game is going to than next level. Rabbitohs by 6
Sea Eagles Stat Attack
Cherry-Evans' 20-point haul against the Warriors from two tries and 6/8 goals rocketed him to top spot among NRL point-scorers. DCE leads with 30 points, with Adam Reynolds (28) second.
Rabbitohs Stat Attack
Souths' good early-season form reflects in the numbers they're putting up. The Bunnies lead the competition in points, tries, goals, try assists, support play and line engaged.
And another thing ...
There's an old adage in team sports that the best players have a knack for making those around them better. Just look at Cameron Smith and how Melbourne are always in title contention, regardless of who's around him. Tom Trbojevic is no Cam Smith but he has the same effect on the Sea Eagles if their dominance of the Warriors is any guide. He looms as a huge danger man to the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles can't be dismissed when 'Turbo' is humming.
