This match promises to be a hard fought contest between two sides, that at the peak of their game, have produced some of the best play of the competition.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have consistently produced quality performances this year, yet in their last two outings – including a loss to the Sydney Roosters in round 26 – they have been anything but convincing.
They were outplayed by the Roosters and while it was a strong effort to bounce back against the Melbourne Storm the next week, they could have easily lost that one.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles on the other hand have been a side which on some weeks look like premiers and on other weeks look like a bottom eight team.
In week one against the Roosters, Manly produced excellent periods of defence and just found themselves unable to crack a strong Roosters line.
They looked like a side that could contest for the title, but worries arose about how they would be able to back up from such a physical contest.
Manly looked tired in the second half against the Cronulla Sharks and without a John Morris brain snap, 2013 probably would have ended for them there.
Still, Manly are a quality football side and will certainly be boosted by the return of Brett Stewart, should he play.
If Stewart is in form and halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are able to control the game, then Manly still have a good chance, regardless of fatigue.
For Souths, they will be hoping that their big forward pack can get on top early and that Greg Inglis can pull another piece of magic out of his bag of tricks.
Despite Manly’s certain potential to win this game, this is Souths’ time to step up and produce.
And with players like Inglis, who can produce magic, they might just be able to end their Grand Final drought.
Tip: Souths by 8
joe
Guest
The mighty sea eagles can and will beat souths...fatigue....not a problem. They have match fitnes and drive.....not to mention cherry evans directing play along with lyons....watch for a brilliant kicking game
Renegade
Guest
The Sea Eagles went into that Grand Final as favourites mate due to Cam Smith not playing.... certainly wasn't big odds.
Nametag
Guest
I remember a few years ago when Manly played the storm not long before the finals. The storm won, although the entire match was played better by Manly. A few weeks ago Manly was beaten by the rabbits in a very similar game, outplaying them for 60 minutes of the game. Manly then went on to play the storm in the grand final to smash them 40-zip.Made lots of money. It will happen again and I will once again live it up on the odds given. $$$$$$$$
planko
Guest
The bruises of the last 2 weeks will be easy to push to the back of the minds of the manly players provided they are in the contest by being ahead or within a converted try on the scoreboard. But should souths put a couple of tries on them early my team could be in trouble. C'mon the eagles !!! Souths are in similar boat if they fall slightly out of the arm westle memories of last year could come flooding back. Can't wait will be cracker
Fran_Gipani
Guest
Manly to win by 8! Daley and Keiths fine partnership will be far too impressive on the day. Balloons are ready up here! :)
Thor
Guest
The team that withstands the battering from the other's human missiles will win this one. Having said that, Manly is dead man walking and looking tired. Souths by 8
Brendan
Guest
Souths have beaten them comfortably twice this year, I see no reason why it will be any different, especially with such little Manly support in the crowd
Jimbob
Guest
Both Teams can win this. At the final siren, it will be the most disciplined team that will survive. I just hope as others have said that it s not given to ref controversy . We have seen too many games lost on a poor ref ruleing
Joe
Guest
He forgot to mention the Pride of the League ,,,,,,,, he can't cause it will make him cry ,,,,,
Jay C
Guest
Wow oikee. A positive comment on the state of the game? This is a big step for you.
oikee
Guest
Going to be a cracker of a finals series. really has been a good close finals and all the teams should be commended. The refs on the other hand, well not so good. Good luck. The best team will win, they look evenly matched.
Mals
Guest
Manly into the Knights, juicy odds. Put a cheeky tenner on it ;-)
Linedropout
Roar Pro
Good point although I'd like to think given they've been around these sort of matches for the last half a decade they'll know how to prepare themselves and be able to outplay Souths.
Haradasun
Roar Rookie
Manly were all over Souths for 60 minutes last time they met. Circumstance went against them last time, but they will be fired up to make amends this time around. They have had 7 days to recover too, so while I agree it will play a part I don't think fatigue will be a deciding factor. In any event the two teams are much more evenly matched than the current odds would suggest.
Renegade
Guest
I'm more worried about the physically tough games they've just played and the fatigue and injuries setting in.... while Souths are fresh and ready to go with a full strength outfit.
Linedropout
Roar Pro
IMO they are a far superior defensive unit compared to the Rabbits and equally as sound in attack.
Renegade
Guest
They've gotten this far so it's not impossible but i wouldn't be putting any money on Manly.... the rested Souths pack will have to much in the tank by the end of the game. For Manly to win, I think they need to be around 3 tries ahead going into the break. They'll need to win the game in the opening 20 minutes and tough it out in the second half.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Manly to repeat a 2008 scoreline on Souths and then in the GF.
Linedropout
Roar Pro
Plus they've got arguably the best halves combination in Foran and Cherry-Evans. Why so few people are getting behind Manly in this game is astounding.
The eye
Guest
Kites got a broken hand,Buehrers ribs are no good,Watmough is on one leg,Lyon picked up something that looks bad last week,Matais carrying a thousand knocks and Brent Stewarts got ongoing hammie trouble..Rabbits have been sitting in ice for a week,come the hour come the onslaught.