The Sea Eagles will be looking to make it two wins in two weeks against the Rabbitohs as they take on South Sydney in the opening round of the Jersey Flegg Cup on Saturday afternoon at 4 Pines Park.
The side, coached by Scott Kenna, will be looking for a strong start to the season following defeats in the opening match of the previous three seasons (36-24 defeat to the Bulldogs in 2023, 30-20 defeat to the Panthers in 2022,24-12 defeat to the Roosters in 2021).
Their last victory in a Round One clash came in 2020 when they defeated the Melbourne Storm 18-10. Players that have gone on to play in the NRL side from that team include Ben Trbojevic, Zac Fulton and Josh Schuster, with the latter scoring the third try in the match to seal the victory.
2023 had mixed results against the Rabbitohs, with each side winning their respective home game. South Sydney hit first in Round Four with a narrow 25-22 victory at Accor Stadium. Caleb Navale who will be starting at lock in Saturday’s match, crossed for a try in the match and will be hoping for the same luck this time round.
In the return fixture, Manly hit back and hit hard with a dominant 48-14 victory at HE Laybutt Field, Blacktown, in Round 17. The Rabbitohs scored twice in the opening ten minutes and looked to be on a roll, only for the Sea Eagles to hit back with three tried in 15 minutes before halftime. Five second half tries extended their lead and put them in a comfortable decision to seal the win.
Jamie Humphreys, who will be playing in the NSW Cup, scored two tries and converted eight from eight attempts. Caleb Navale also crossed for another try as well as fullback Blake Metcalfe, second-rower Broden Konz, prop Kylan Mafoa and winger Teapo Stoltman, who will all line up for the side again.
Match Day Details:
4 Pines Park, Saturday March 9
Gates Open:1pm/1.15pm
Jersey Flegg Cup Kick-Off: 1.30pm
NSW Cup Kick-Off: 3pm
