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The South Sydney Rabbitohs attempt to reach their first grand final in 42 years as they take on a Manly Sea Eagles side who have been there plenty of times before. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEST.
After earning a week off following their victory over Melbourne in the first week of the finals, the Bunnies will be fresh and raring to go.
Manly, on the other hand, are battered and bruised after two gladiatorial contests in two weeks – first a 4-0 loss to the Roosters and, last Friday, a narrow 24-18 sudden-death win over the Sharks.
Key Manly players are competing despite carrying injuries – blokes like Jamie Lyon, Anthony Watmough and Brett Stewart. The Rabbitohs boast a clean bill of health.
In that sense, the red-and-greens appear to have the advantage, but there’s another important factor that weighs in Manly’s favour: finals experience.
The Sea Eagles have played in every finals series since 2005, with 17 matches, three grand final appearances and two premierships to their name.
The Bunnies? Two finals series, three matches. And as mentioned above: it’s been 42 long years since they last enjoyed a grand final brekky.
That’s the scene in this one, and it’s makes for an intriguing encounter. With plenty of attacking weapons on both sides, it has the potential to be one of the games of 2013.
It’s no secret Greg Inglis has been playing busted in the Rabbitohs’ last few clashes, and as a result he’s failed to stamp his authority on a game in weeks.
A player like Inglis doesn’t stay quiet for long though, and with a fortnight’s rest under his belt he may just be ready to cut loose.
Manly, meanwhile, will benefit from the return of Brett Stewart, who hasn’t laced up the boots since Round 25.
Peta Hiku has done an admirable job in his absence, but Stewart is Manly’s most potent attacking player and, provided he’s fit enough, they’ll be a much more dangerous prospect with him back on deck.
Another key battle will be between young halfbacks Adam Reynolds and Daly Cherry-Evans.
These two may well face off in the Origin arena in years to come, and both have the opportunity to stamp their authority tonight and lead their side through to a grand final appearance.
And then there’s the Burgesses, and Issac Luke, and Nathan Merritt, and Anthony Watmough, and Kieran Foran, and Manly’s whole damn backline, really. Game breakers, each and every one of them. The fireworks could come from anywhere.
Souths have already defeated Manly twice this year, and I’m tipping them to make it a third, with a refreshed Inglis proving the difference. Souths by six.
Can the Bunnies give their long-suffering fans the grand final appearance they’ve dreamed of, or will the battle-hardened Sea Eagles find a way – as they have so many times before – to emerge victorious?
Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEST, and be sure to let us know your thoughts if you’re following along.
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