VENUE & TIME: ANZ Stadium, Sunday, May 2, 3.05pm (AEST)
COVERAGE: Channel 9
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 123 – Sea Eagles 67, Rabbitohs 56
LAST TIME: Round 22, 2009 – Rabbitohs 36-22.

WALKING WOUNDED: Skipper Roy Asotasi (knee) is due back next week but still we await the 2010 arrival of hitman Michael Crocker (shoulder), with no firm word on his return. The Souths' rehab centre is free of fresh patients. George Rose and David 'Wolfman' Williams are slated for returns to the Manly line-up next week but there are no fresh injury concerns at Brookvale. Professional bench warmer Jamie Buhrer has been omitted so he can start removing the splinters from his backside after watching two entire games from the dugout. The young man's NRL debut is now on hold indefinitely, with Matt Cross back in the 17.

FORM: South Sydney is going along quite nicely thank-you very much. The Rabbitohs have won four of their last five matches, only tripping up against Parramatta two rounds back. There's not a heap of excitement surrounding John Lang's men just yet but there is no doubt they will have a say in this year's premiership. A big scalp in Manly will only further that cause. The Sea Eagles were headed for five in a row before someone threw on the handbrake at Brookie last Monday night. The Titans got them with two late tries as Dessie Hasler went looking for a return bout with any dressing room door stupid enough to get in his way.

WHO'S HOT: His taste in music might be up da s..t, but rapper Snoop Dogg knows his wingers. The Hound is a Souths supporter thanks to his association with one R Crowe and likes the way Nathan Merritt moves. And with good reason. The little flyer scored tries when the Bunnies were in the ghetto and keeps bagging the four pointers now they're up near the penthouse. Merritt has racked up six tries in seven starts, taking his career tally to 90 in 142 games. Manly half-back Trent Hodkinson is being spoken about as a potential starter for City against Country next week. It's remarkable he is even being considered, given most people would not have heard of him two months ago. He is one for the future but rep honours may be a little premature.

WE THINK: There's a bit of tension in the Manly camp leading into this game following their collapse against Gold Coast. Glenn Stewart and Steve Matai engaged in some argy-bargy after Stewart dropped his mate on his backside during a defensive drill this week. The fiery Kiwi was annoyed at taking friendly fire to his damaged shoulder. It was reported as a dust-up but the Sea Eagles insist the two are close and have kissed and made up. Watch for Souths to target said shoulder. The Rabbitohs will like their chances here and will make Manly pay if the Eagles are not at their peak for the full 80. A worrying game for Manly fans but the blast their team received from the coach this week is still ringing in the players' ears and should have the desired impact.Manly by 4

TEAMS:

Rabbitohs: Rhys Wesser, Nathan Merritt, Colin Best, Beau Champion, Fetuli Talanoa, John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Scott Geddes, Issac Luke, Luke Stuart [c], Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor, Ben Lowe.
Interchange: Garrett Crossman, Shannan McPherson, Eddy Pettybourne, Jason Clark.

Sea Eagles: Ben Farrar, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon [c], Steve Matai, Tony Williams, Kieran Foran, Trent Hodkinson, Jason King [c], Matt Ballin, Josh Perry, Anthony Watmough, Shane Rodney, Glenn Stewart.
Interchange: Joe Galuvao, Brent Kite, Matt Cross, Chris Bailey.