Souths v Manly preview from David Middleton
Friday night, August 16, 7.35pm, Bluetongue Stadium
Things were beginning to look grim for the Rabbitohs following injuries to Greg Inglis and John Sutton, three losses from four games and then the two-game suspension for prop Sam Burgess.
But by Tuesday afternoon, the Rabbitohs’ outlook was looking a whole lot brighter after Inglis and Sutton were both selected to make their comebacks against Manly and yet another Burgess brother, Luke, took Sam’s place in the front row.
It is the second time this season that coach Michael Maguire has used the “Burgess for Burgess” strategy – last time it was Thomas replacing George when George was banned for two games for his off-field indiscretion in Cairns.
No coach has ever had such options available to him and it opens the way for all four Burgess brothers to figure in this year’s finals series.
Souths’ outlook may have improved but they will still be battling the odds to overcome Manly this Friday night. The Sea Eagles are on a hot streak of six successive wins and they will be comfortable in their Central Coast surroundings, having beaten the Warriors at Bluetongue Stadium last Sunday.
Look for Souths to score a try as First Scoring Play but consider a Manly victory by 1-12 points.
Best chances for First Tryscorer are Nathan Merritt, Bryson Goodwin or Matt King for the Rabbitohs or Jorge Taufua, David Williams or Jamie Lyon for Manly.
TIP: Sea Eagles by 4
FootyTAB Margins: Sea Eagles 1-12