SATURDAY, JUNE, 22nd, 2024 ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY
Souths Eye Semi-Final Push Against Depleted Manly
The Souths will aim to continue their unlikely semi-final push when they face an injury-depleted Manly side, further weakened by the absence of their Origin stars, at Accor Stadium.
Rabbitohs Season Rollercoaster
The Rabbitohs’ season has been tumultuous, marked by the sacking of coach Jason Demetriou after eight weeks. However, the team has shown remarkable improvement since then. Despite interim coach Ben Hornby losing his first three matches, the Rabbitohs have bounced back, winning their next three games in impressive fashion, including a dominant performance against premiership contenders Brisbane. Although they are currently two wins outside the top eight, they have had two byes this season. Every point is crucial during this challenging stretch of the season.
Key Players for Souths
To succeed against Manly, Souths will need to replicate their dominant performance against Brisbane, particularly in controlling the middle of the field. Keaon Koloamatangi has excelled since shifting to the lock forward position, consistently delivering powerful performances to give Souths the upper hand in the middle. He is well-supported by his bench and fellow middle forwards. Entering the match as surprising favorites, Souths will also require strong showings from halves Cody Walker and Jack Wighton.
Team News: South Sydney
Regarding team news, Latrell Mitchell and Cam Murray are absent due to their State of Origin commitments.
In a boost for the Rabbitohs, Jye Gray returns early from injury. Liam Le Blanc will make his NRL debut coming off the bench. Otherwise, it’s a settled line-up for the boys from Redfern.
South Sydney.
1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Taane Milne 4. Richard Kennar , 5. Jacob Gagai ,6. Jack Wighton 7. Cody Walker 8. Davvy Moale 9. Damien Cook 10.Sean Keppie 11. Michael Chee Kam 12. Jai Arrow 13. Keaon Koloamatangi , 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Liam Le Blanc , 18. Dion Teaupa 19. Chase Chapman 20. Adam Christensen 21. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, 22. Gehamat Shibasaki.
Manly’s Recent Form and Challenges
For Manly, they are coming off a potentially famous win in their club history. Despite being left with no fresh reserves, the Rabbitohs managed to secure a victory over a recently resurgent St George Illawarra side. They achieved this by sticking to the basics and frustrating the Dragons into errors with strong goal-line defense. Lehi Hopoate has been a revelation since his debut, even sparking discussions of a possible Tommy Turbo return via the centers.
Challenges for Manly
Facing significant injuries and impacts from State of Origin commitments, the team’s resilience will face another stern test in this clash. To overcome Souths, they must dominate the middle of the field, leveraging their ample spark and speed in the backs to maintain an edge despite the injuries. Their middle depth will again be tested with Paseka set to be sidelined in this fixture so expect the next man up to try and take the most from their opportunity. Additionally, Anthony Seibold will be eager for revenge against his former club.
Team Changes for Manly
Where do we begin with team changes, Reuben Garrick is in concussion protocol replaced by new signing Aaron Schoupp. Daly Cherry-Evans is replaced by Karl Lawton, while NSW captain Jake Trbojevic’s absence sees Nathan Brown stepping in at lock. Aaron Woods starts in place of Taniela Paseka, and despite a finger injury, Tof Sipley is named alongside Corey Waddell. Ben Condon joins the bench, with Aitasi James making his club debut and Caleb Navale set for his NRL debut.
Manly
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Tommy Talau , 6. Luke Brooks 7. Karl Lawton 8. Ethan Bullemor 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Toafofoa Sipley , 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Nathan Brown 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong , 15. Ben Condon 16. Caleb Navale 17. Aitasi James 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Jaxson Paulo 20. Brad Parker 21. Jamie Humphreys 22. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega
Referee. Chris Butler, Touch Judges. Chris Sutton, Michael Wise. Bunker. Wyatt Raymond.
Prediction.
I predict a Souths victory, though I don’t expect it to be a blowout. Despite Manly’s depleted lineup, they will compete strongly for extended periods but may ultimately fall short. The experience of Cody Walker and Jack Wighton will likely prove decisive, with Moale and Kolomatangi providing an additional edge for Souths.
Comments