PointsBet Match Preview vs Souths
The fanfare and hype of rugby league in Las Vegas will continue but for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, it’s now down to what they do best - winning football games.
In what has been a huge week in ‘Sin City’, the Sea Eagles have finely balanced the promotion of rugby league for the first time in America, in between quality field and gym sessions at the outstanding UFC complex.
The match kicks off at 6.30pm on Saturday, March 2, at Allegiant Stadium (Sunday, March 3 at 1:30pm AEDT), in the first ever premiership game to be played in America.
Team news
The Sea Eagles are fit and ready to fire in the opening round after resting most of their big gun players from the trials.
Captain Daly Cherry-Evans heads a new look spine, partnering five-eighth Luke Brooks for the first time in the halves, with the dynamic Tom Trbojevic at full-back and the always reliable Lachlan Croker at hooker.
Reuben Garrick starts in the centres with new recruit Jaxson Paulo earning a wing spot. The very tough and aggressive forward Nathan Brown also makes his Club debut for the Sea Eagles.
Out of the spotlight
Luke Brooks couldn't have asked for a better place than Las Vegas to make his Club debut for the Sea Eagles.
The former Tiger is already loving life at Manly. His body language and happy personality clearly defines that. Plus, there is the added bonus of being out of Sydney.
"There is no spotlight on me playing my first game for Manly. Everyone is talking about being over here in Vegas, so it's been good for me,'' said a smiling Brooks.
It may take a few rounds for Brooks and Cherry-Evans to completely gel, but when they do, look out!
“Just seeing the way he (Daly) is and how he wants to learn as a leader is just something that I have really taken in from him,'' Brooks added.
Brothers in arms
What a special day it will be for the fabulous Trbojevic family at Allegiant Stadium.
Saturday night's historic NRL Telstra Premiership season opener in America against South Sydney Rabbitohs marks the first time this much loved family will witness brothers Jake, Tom, and Ben play together overseas.
And what a spectacular place to do it too than the magnificent Allegiant Stadium, which played host to the Super Bowl just a fortnight ago.
The significant of the moment was not lost on Daly Cherry-Evans after some sight-seeing with the brothers on a day off from training on Tuesday.
"Maybe we take it for granted a little bit but it is pretty cool, isn’t it?,'' he added.
"We went and did a Grand Canyon tour yesterday. I took a moment and thought ‘look at that: they’re on the other side of the world going to see the Grand Canyon together.
"I can only think what it would be like to play first grade with my brothers. It would be a great opportunity.”
So just how big are the Trbojevic brothers? It's not everyday a reporter from the New York Post does a feature piece on the proud local juniors from the Mona Vale Raiders!
Time to deliver
Manly Coach Antony Seibold is more than happy with the way the team is heading into the match after spending nine days together in Las Vegas.
There is a real sense of togetherness amongst the team with a strong, close culture established over summer.
"We feel like we have prepared really well. It's now time to execute,'' Seibold said prior to the team's final Captain's Run today.
"The players and all of our club are really looking forward to tomorrow."
Stat Attack
- Saturday’s game will be the first NRL fixture to be played outside Australia or New Zealand in 117 seasons of premiership rugby league.
- The Sea Eagles and the Rabbitohs will meet for the 150th time at premiership level. The ledger favours Manly 77 wins to South Sydney’s 72.
- South Sydney have won their past seven games against Manly.
- Manly winger Jason Saab has scored seven tries in his past three NRL games.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 14 tries in 15 games against the Sea Eagles.
- The Sea Eagles have won only one of their past 10 Round 1 games.
