Match Preview: NSW Cup Round 11 vs Souths

The Sea Eagles came within a whisker last start of winning their second NSW Cup game of the season against Penrith.

Trailing 24-18 at half-time, the Sea Eagles fought back well before some costly errors late saw them go down 40-36 to the competition leaders. A week earlier, Manly suffered a 24-18 loss at home to Parramatta.

Both performances were a vast improvement following heavy losses to the Dragons and the Warriors.

This Sunday, the Sea Eagles tackle the South Sydney Rabbitohs at North Sydney Oval with all six NSW Cup games being played at the Bears home ground over the weekend.

The Rabbitohs have won five of their eight matches to sit sixth and go into the game on the back of a 26-18 loss to Newtown Jets.

Manly supporters should keep an eye out on exciting five-eighth Onitoni Large, who makes his first appearance in the NSW Cup after a strong season for the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball team.

A member of Manly’s top 30 NRL squad, Large is highly within the Sea Eagles camp.

“When I first started working with Onitoni, I was blown away by his athleticism and his willingness to get better as a five-eighth/half-back,’’ said Manly interim Coach Kieran Foran.

“He is so athletic. He's got natural speed that few have. It makes him an extremely dangerous runner of the ball.

“Onitoni just wants to keep developing his game management, ball skills, and kicking game.  He has got a huge future as a five-eighth at our club.”

Large has been named to partner Joey Walsh in the halves. Walsh has also been named in the extended NRL squad following another exceptional performance in last week’s win over Brisbane.

The match against Souths kicks-off at North Sydney Oval on Sunday, May 17, at 11am.