Manly Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs Prediction: An entertaining game one expected

Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney have the honor of kicking off the 2024 season in style, marking the occasion as the first game played on American soil in the Las Vegas doubleheader. Both the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs missed the finals series in 2023, providing them with a fresh start and an opportunity to commence the new season on a positive note. 

After a productive off-season marked by recruitment and signings, the Sea Eagles aim to replicate the successful start they had in the 2023 season when they secured their first opening match win since 2012. Providing a significant boost to Manly's energy for the Vegas clash, Tom Trbojevic returns to the field for his first game since suffering a pec injury during Origin II last year.

A revamped halves pairing features the addition of former Tiger Luke Brooks, who joins forces with veteran Daly Cherry-Evans. Nathan Brown, recruited through a train and trial deal, earns a spot on the bench for the Sea Eagles. The backline sees Reuben Garrick moving to the centre to accommodate new signing Jaxson Paulo, who takes up the left-wing position.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs enter the 2024 season with a strong determination to secure a win, aiming to overcome their struggles from the previous year when they missed out on the finals, winning only four of their final twelve games. Eager to silence any skeptics and establish themselves as legitimate premiership contenders, the Rabbitohs are focused on a positive start.

Cody Walker, recovered from a calf injury that kept him out of the All-Stars match, will play a pivotal role, partnering with Lachlan Ilias in the halves. The Rabbitohs' backline features Jacob Gagai, making his NRL debut from the wing, while Richie Kennar and Isaiah Tass form the centres combination in the absence of Jack Wighton, who is suspended, and Campbell Graham, who is sidelined with an injury. Following a strong performance in the trials match, former Sea Eagle Sean Keppie joins Tevita Tatola in the front row, adding strength to the Rabbitohs' forward pack.

Navigating the intricacies of a fresh roster and developing team dynamics adds an extra layer of complexity to foreseeing game outcomes. In this scenario, I find that my inclination aligns with the South Sydney Rabbitohs prevailing, with the anticipation that they will secure a victory, foreseeing a win by a margin of 8 points or more on the road.