Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs: Key Matchups

Sam Burgess on a rampaging run against Melbourne Storm

Brett Stewart v Greg Inglis
Manly has won 13 of their last 17 games with Stewart in the side his big time inclusion could be the difference in this game, they are clearly a different side when he is fit and firing. Manly coach Geoff Toovey is confident that Stewart can come straight back into the side and play a full 80 minutes. Stewart's ability to read the play on whether to kick, pass or run himself is the best in the league and when he is playing his best he is impossible to contain. Inglis on the other hand is arguably the best kick returner in the game with his second rower like body and winger like quickness that has seen him be the face of rugby league. This battle will go a long way to deciding the match.

Daly Cherry-Evans v Adam Reynolds
These two will more than likely be up against each other in many Origins to come, DCE has had a standout season including playing a starring role in Origin III for QLD. He has also been instrumental in Manly's attack while Stewart has been out injured. DCE admitted earlier this week that the kicking game could be the telling point in the result. "The kicking game was what won them the game last time," DCE said. Reyonlds has also had a consistent season narrowly missing out on Origin selection, Last time the two times played however he got the better of his opposite number with crucial plays down the stretch winning the Rabbitohs the game but this time whoever kicks better on the night is going to win the game. 

Brenton Lawrence embraces Anthony Watmough after a tough win

Brenton Lawrence v George Burgess
Lawrence has been called the buy of the season after fighting his way from oblivion at the Gold Coast to a starting job at Manly and has cemented his spot ever since debuting in Round 1. His aggression and endurance in the forward pack are his strengths and Manly need him containing the huge Rabbitohs pack. Which starts off with another surprise this year George Burgess who has made a name for himself with his rampaging runs and big hits in defence this is going to be a mouth-watering matchup.

Issac Luke v Matt Ballin

The battle of the dummy halves is an intriguing one with both playing different roles for their teams, Ballin is very strong defensively and is looking for quick ball to pass out to his halves so that they can spread to their centres whereas Luke is looking for darts out of the play of the ball trying to catch out tired forwards down the middle. Whoever can keep control of the ball better will win this contest and this starts with quick plays of the ball and good decision making.

Twitter: @GranthamDaniel


Credit: NRL.COM & SMH