Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs preview

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Traditional rivals face off in Northern Beaches clash.

After a slow start to 2016, the Sea Eagles have bounced back with consecutive wins, but will face a tough proposition without star playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans and a South Sydney side desperate to atone for a horror Good Friday showing. In the absence of the prized halfback, former Rabbitohs premiership winner Apisai Koroisau returns to the first grade team alongside Dylan Walker in the halves, while Kiwi internationals Martin Taupau and Steve Matai reclaim their places in the side after missing last week's win through suspension and injury respectively. Having won three of the past four clashes against South Sydney at Brookvale Oval, coach Trent Barrett will be hoping his side can maintain their resilience and come away with another two points.

Humiliated at home against Canterbury last week, the Rabbitohs will be looking to make immediate amends and get their season back on track after promising so much over the opening fortnight. With inspirational forward Sam Burgess set to return, South Sydney will be looking to outmuscle the Manly side, allowing the likes of Greg Inglis and Cody Walker room to generate points for the visitors. In addition to the return of Burgess, younger brother Tom will make his first appearance of 2016, while Kirisome Auva'a will start on the wing ahead of former Manly utility Michael Oldfield. With the leger between the two sides locked at five wins apiece from the past ten encounters, the Rabbitohs will be hoping to replicate their famous win at Brookvale Oval in 2013; where they overcame a defensive barrage in the opening half, before proving too strong in attack to run out 20-12 victors. Halfback Luke Keary will play his 50th game for South Sydney, after debuting for the club three years ago

Last meeting: Round 22 2015 - Sea Eagles 28 Rabbitohs 8

Who to watch: After starting out with South Sydney three years ago, Dylan Walker will be looking to punish his former club in his first meeting with the Rabbitohs since a well publicised exit over the off-season. Having honed his ability in the centres, the Australian representative has produced mixed results at five-eighth in the opening month of football, but continued to threaten opponents with his speed and footwork. Set to take on additional playmaking responsibilities in the absence of Daly Cherry-Evans, Walker will need to be at his best if Manly are to make it three consecutive wins.

Having managed just four games with the Dragons and Bulldogs twelve months ago, Damien Cook has developed into a game breaking utility for the Rabbitohs. Showing his class during the finals last season, Cook hasn't reached his full potential so far in 2016, but with a ton of speed and a penchant for support play, his best won't be far away. Sharing the hooking duties with Cameron McInnes, the 24-year-old showed he is also an accomplished goal-kicker against Canterbury and will be out to make amends for South Sydney on Thursday night.

The favourite: With Daly Cherry-Evans set to miss a month of football, South Sydney are expected to take advantage and bounce back from their Good Friday debacle.

My tip: Having been embarrassed by the Bulldogs on Good Friday, the return of Sam Burgess should help the Bunnies bounce back at Brookie. Rabbitohs by 10.

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Dylan Walker 7. Apisai Koroisau 8. Nate Myles 9. Matt Parcell 10. Brenton Lawrence 11. Martin Taupau 12. Feleti Mateo 16. Darcy Lussick
Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown 15. Josh Starling 17. Siosaia Vave 18. Blake Leary

1. Greg Inglis 2. Kirisome Auva'a 19. Michael Oldfield 4. Hymel Hunt 5. Aaron Gray 6. Cody Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. George Burgess 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Sam Burgess 11. Chris Grevsmuhl 12. Kyle Turner 13. Nathan Brown
Interchange: 14. Damien Cook 15. Jason Clark 16. David Tyrrell 17. Thomas Burgess

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Ashley Klein, Bernard Sutton;