NRL Round 2 Preview - Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles @ ANZ Stadium

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Manly Sea Eagles @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Rabbitohs will be desperate to avoid a 0-3 start to season 2018 when they return to Allianz Stadium for a home game against the Sea Eagles on Saturday night. New Coach Anthony Siebold looked to have the first victory of his South Sydney reign under his belt as the side went 14-0 up, before a poor second half saw them run down 16-14 at Pepper Stadium against the Panthers. Manly put on a sizzling display in a thumping 54-0 victory over Parramatta in their first home game of the season, scoring several sparkling tries and showing their attacking prowess across the park. 
 
History -  Souths have won five of the past eight between the sides, however they were blown off the park the last time the two sides met with Manly romping to a 46-8 victory ay Allianz Stadium.  In Round 2 of 2017 Souths beat Manly 38-18 at Lottoland. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - Tyrell Fuimaono (dislocated toe) is replaced on the bench by Hymel Hunt. Greg Inglis has been named in the centres for the Rabbitohs,  but will need to pass protocol after failing to finish the game against the Panthers last week. Cameron Murray again starts at lock, with the Rabbitohs needing more control from their halves combination in the final 20 minutes if they get involved in another tight struggle. 
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Trent Barrett has named the same 17 after a brilliant display from his side last week. Daly Cherry-Evans showed why he is one of the best playmakers in the game, with a brilliant solo try and having a hand in several others. Jake Trbojevic continued his strong start to the season as he makes a strong case to win a starting spot in the NSW back row this season during Origin. 
 
Verdict - Manly by 6-14

I am wary of the Souths bounce-back here, given they are desperate at 0-2, but I just think Manly are going to be too fast for them. Manly, put simply, have better combinations that are more dangerous and, if they click, I see the Rabbitohs struggling to contain their attacking prowess. Souths showed plenty of resolve against the Panthers last week, and managed to get on top through the middle of the field, and that’s probably their best bet against Manly here, trying to get on top of a forward pack that has some quality, but is a bit light on size compared to most packs.