Match Preview: Round 18 vs Rabbitohs

Author: Manly Media
Timestamp: Wed 2 Jul 2025, 04:38 PM

The Sea Eagles tackle the Rabbitohs in a double-header at 4 Pines Park on Sunday with around one hundred former players there in support.

Round 18 - Round 18 - Sunday 6 Jul

Full Time

Sea Eagles

Rabbitohs

Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Highlights Latest

The club will recognise the achievements of its past players on Golden Eagles Day, while the NRL team’s current players aim for back-to-back victories and a third win in as many games at Brookie.

Last week’s 28-10 win over the Tigers came after back-to-back losses on the road, while the Rabbitohs slumped to a fifth straight loss when thumped 50-28 by the Dolphins in Brisbane.

Good times at 4 Pines in front of a near sellout crowd in Round 17

But don’t be fooled, prior to last week’s slip-up, Wayne Bennet’s bunnies were very competitive. They lost to Melbourne Storm in golden point in Round 16 and were narrowly beaten by the Bulldogs the week prior, scoring four tries apiece.

Turbo touch: Tom Trbojevic makes seamless switch to the centres against the Tigers

In team news, just the one change for the Sea Eagles with Tommy Talau returning to the side on the interchange bench in place of Nathan Brown (biceps). Tom Trbojevic has again been named in the centres after having a hand in most of the good stuff against the Tigers last start.

Alex Johnston is six shy of Ken Irvine's all-time try-scoring record of 212

The absence of Latrell Mitchell (Origin) and Cody Walker (hamstring) have forced quite a reshuffle for the Rabbitohs. Alex Johnston moves to fullback with Isaiah Tass taking his place on the wing, while Euan Aitken shifts into the centres with Jack Wighton filling in for Walker at five-eighth. Brandon Smith has been named on an extended bench as he nears a return from an ACL injury.

Round 18 - Round 18 - Sunday 6 Jul

Full Time

Sea Eagles

Rabbitohs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Lehi Hopoate

Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Alex Johnston
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab

Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Isaiah Tass
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula

Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Campbell Graham
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Tom Trbojevic

Centre for Rabbitohs is number 12 Tallis Duncan
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick

Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Tyrone Munro
Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke Brooks

Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack Wighton
Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Jamie Humphreys

Forwards

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Matthew Lodge

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Tevita Tatola
Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jazz Tevaga

Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 22 Brandon Smith
Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho

Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Keaon Koloamatangi
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Corey Waddell

2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 11 Jai Arrow
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Ben Trbojevic

2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 20 Jacob Host
Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Lachlan Hubner

Interchange

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Jake Simpkin

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 9 Siliva Havili
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Tommy Talau

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 15 Liam Le Blanc
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Ethan Bullemor

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Davvy Moale
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Toafofoa Sipley

Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 18 Ryan Gray

Reserves

Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Michael Chee Kam

Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 17 Lewis Dodd

Match Officials

Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 7/15/2025 2:00:55 AM

Tolu Koula has scored in six consecutive games at 4 Pines Park.

Stat Zone

The Sea Eagles have not defeated the Rabbitohs at 4 Pines Park since 2019.
The Rabbitohs have won eight of their past nine games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored in six consecutive games at 4 Pines Park.
Rabbitohs five-eighth Jack Wighton has scored five tries in his past five games at Brookvale.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has won only two from eight against Wayne Bennett-coached teams.

Jersey Flegg Cup

Round 18 - Round 18 - Sunday 6 Jul

Full Time

Sea Eagles