Round 14 of the 2026 NRL season opens on Thursday night with a mouth-watering clash at 4 Pines Park as the Manly Sea Eagles host the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Both sides find themselves locked in a six-team logjam on competition points heading into this round, making this a must-win contest for anyone serious about chasing a top-four finish.

Manly had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Sharks last weekend, while South Sydney used the mid-season bye to rest bodies and regroup ahead of a massive fortnight against the Sea Eagles and Broncos.

Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran celebrates a three-year deal to become the full-time head coach after his successful start to his coaching journey and sees his Origin stars return in Haumole Olakau’atu and Tolutau Koula, thanks to a clearance approved by the NRL, while the Rabbitohs see David Fifita, Brandon Smith, Jye Gray and Campbell Graham return to the side after recovering from their injuries.

Let’s find out! For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the 153rd meeting between these two sides, check out our Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Both sides have significant players returning for this matchup, while their superstars remain on the sidelines.

The storyline of Foran’s interim tenure against the legendary Wayne Bennett adds an extra layer of intrigue, with Manly having steadied at home after a rocky start to the season.

South Sydney have dropped their of their last four matches and will need their returning stars to fire immediately, making this a genuine test of Bennett’s ability to recharge a side that has blown hot and cold through the first half of the season.

With the Roosters having six players selected, it’s very unlikely all of them will be able to back up. Meanwhile, we can’t see the Storm resting the likes of Munster and Grant if they remain healthy, due to their need to win games to make the finals. 

Although the Rabbitohs have more players returning, Manly haven’t struggled since Foran became their coach up until their last match against the Sharks, and we expect their winning form to continue.

Betting tip: Manly Sea Eagles. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Clayton Faulalo, since becoming the Sea Eagles' fullback, has shown his speed and finding space out wide and has put in impressive performances in the absence of Tom Trbojevic. 

He has also scored the first try of the game this season, and going up against a side finding their legs could be the best opportunity for Faulalo to start the game with a quick try.

Betting tip: Clayton Faulalo.

Over/Under Prediction 

Thirteen of South Sydney's last 14 away matches in New South Wales have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (50.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Manly have covered this line in three of their last five matches.

Betting tip: Sea Eagles (-3.5) line. 

Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Lehi Hopoate

Lehi Hopoate has scored at least one try in each of Manly's last four matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight.

Tolutau Koula

Tolutau Koula has scored a try in each of his last seven home appearances against teams on a losing streak.

Alex Johnston

Alex Johnston has scored at least one try in each of his last 10 appearances.

Campbell Graham

Campbell Graham has scored at least one try in three of his last four away appearances.

David Fifita

David Fifita has scored a try in five of his last six appearances against Manly.

Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs Teams 

Manly Sea Eagles Team List 

1. Clayton Faulalo

2. Jason Saab

3. Tolutau Koula

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Luke Brooks

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Taniela Paseka 

9. Jake Simpkin 

10. Kobe Hetherington 

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Brandon Wakeham

15. Nathan Brown 

16. Jackson Shereb 

17. Simione Laiafi 

18. Josh Feledy

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List 

1. Jye Gray

2. Alex Johnston

3. Latrell Siegwalt 

4. Campbell Graham

5. Edward Kosi

6. Cody Walker

7. Ashton Ward

8. Tevita Tatola 

9. Brandon Smith 

10. Keaon Koloamatangi

11. David Fifita

12. Tallis Duncan

13. Cameron Murray

14. Lachlan Hubner 

15. Jamie Humphreys

16. Euan Aitken

17. Sean Keppie

18. Matthew Dufty

Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs Match Details 

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: 4 Pines Park, Brookvale.