NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles RD14, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel to the Northern Beaches on Thursday night to take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval, with kick-off scheduled for 7:50pm (AEST) in round 14.
This is a crucial clash between two sides separated by just one ladder position. The Rabbitohs currently sit sixth on the ladder with six wins and five losses from 11 matches, while the Sea Eagles occupy fifth spot with seven wins and five losses from 12 games. Both teams are locked on 16 competition points, making this a genuine battle for top-eight positioning as the season approaches its midway point.
South Sydney will be eager to arrest a two-game losing streak heading into this contest. The Rabbitohs went down 18-30 to the North Queensland Cowboys in round 12 away from home, following a 10-32 defeat to the Dolphins at Magic Round in round 11.
The Sea Eagles have been in solid form, winning three of their last five matches. They defeated the Gold Coast Titans 12-10 at home in round 12, thrashed the Wests Tigers 46-18 away in round 11, and put 32-4 on the Brisbane Broncos at Brookvale Oval in round 10.
Rabbitohs welcome back several key players for this contest, headlined by captain Cameron Murray, who returns to lead the side from lock. David Fifita is also back in the second row for his first game since round six. Fifita's combination with Tallis Duncan in the back row gives the Rabbitohs significant strike power on both edges.
With both sides coming off losses and desperate to consolidate their positions inside the top eight, this Thursday night clash shapes as a fiercely competitive encounter. The Rabbitohs have shown throughout the season that they are capable of producing big performances, and the return of key personnel gives the Red and Green every reason to be confident of snapping their losing streak at Brookvale.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a strong side for the trip to the Northern Beaches, with several key players returning to the squad. Captain Cameron Murray is back at lock in jersey number 13, while David Fifita returns to the second row in the number 11 jumper. Brandon Smith has been named at hooker in the number nine jersey and Campbell Graham returns to the centres wearing number four.
For the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Haumole Olakau'atu returns to the second row in jersey 11, while Tolutau Koula has been named at centre in the number three jumper. Ethan Bullemor is the only player to drop out of the squad. Clayton Faulalo retains the fullback role, with Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty continuing in the halves.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Date: Thursday 4 June.
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST).
Venue: Brookvale Oval, Sydney.
