Sea Eagles excited ahead of Souths clash

Author: Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Thu 20 Jun 2024, 08:19 AM

Sydney Olympic Park may be a far cry from the spectacular city of Las Vegas but that's the journey facing the Sea Eagles in their return bout against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, June 22.

The Sea Eagles beat the Rabbitohs in the historic double header at Allegiant Stadium in March to become the first NRL club to win a premiership match in America.

We take a look at some of the key points in our Round 16 preview.

Team changes

With Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau'atu on Origin duty, the Sea Eagles have Karl Lawton at halfback, Nathan Brown at lock, and Corey Waddell in the back row.

On the injury front, the Sea Eagles have lost prop Taniela Paseka (thumb) and centre Reuben Garrick (concussion) from last week's win over the Dragons.

Form

NRL Ladder: Sea Eagles 8th, 17 points; Rabbitohs 14th, 12 points

Last five NRL matches: Manly 2/5, Rabbitohs 3/5

Last round: Sea Eagles 30 d Dragons 14; Rabbitohs 22 d Broncos 12

Head to Head since 1998 (NRL era): Played 44: Rabbitohs 22, Manly 22

Last Time We Met: Rd Zero: Manly 36 d South Sydney 24, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.

Fine honour for Brooks and Brown

Coach Anthony Seibold has jointly rewarded five-eighth Luke Brooks and lock Nathan Brown with the honour of co-captains for the clash against Souths.

In their first seasons at Manly, both have been massive and have won over many new Sea Eagles fans with their impressive displays.

And the good news is both will be here are here to stay with Brown last week extended for two more years while Brooks is locked in at Manly until the end of 2027.

Bring on more of those much loved 'Back Fence' Browny charges!

Condon rewarded for hat-trick

Talk about perfect timing! Lanky second-rower Ben Condon crossed for his first career hat-trick for Blacktown Workers last weekend in the NSW Cup.

With several key forwards injured, Condon now gets his opportunity to play his fifth game for Manly and his 17th in the NRL against Souths.

Jubilation....Ben Condon celebrates his hat-trick ©Andrew Bateup Photography

Shoupp's time at the Sea Eagles

Centre Aaron Schoupp gets the chance to make his club debut for the Sea Eagles after joining Manly in May in search of a fresh start.

Schoupp has signed with the Sea Eagles for the next two years. He has played 20 NRL matches for the Titans (2023-24) and 32 for the Bulldogs (2021-22).

Big Homebush clashes

Why not get out to Sydney Olympic Park early on Saturday to support the Sea Eagles in a triple header against South Sydney at Accor Stadium.

Jersey Flegg kicks off proceedings at 3.25 followed by NSW Cup at 5.10pm and the big NRL match at 7.35pm.

Swans defender Dean Rampe, Giants midfielder Tom Green, Souths forward Jai Arrow and Manly winger Jason Saab promoted the cross code double header this week ©Phil Hillyard

Remember, too, there is a big AFL derby next door at ENGIE Stadium when the GWS Giants tackle the Sydney Swans in the Battle of the Bridge clash from 4.35pm.