NRL Las Vegas: Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs Betting Tips & Predictions

The NRL Telstra Premiership season will kick off on American soil for the first time ever when the Sea Eagles and the Rabbitohs clash at the magnificent Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday March 2 (local time). This historic match is part of a massive week for rugby league in Las Vegas, which will also feature a Combine, a 9s tournament, a Fan Fest and more.

TLDR: It’s a tough one to pick as it’s in the USA and the first game of the season!

Why I think Manly will get up

The Sea Eagles are coming off a strong 2023 season, where they finished fourth on the ladder and reached the preliminary finals. They have retained most of their star players, such as Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic, and have added some quality recruits, such as Josh Addo-Carr, Ryan James and Matt Burton. They also have a proven coach in Des Hasler, who knows how to get the best out of his team.

Some of the reasons why I think Manly will win are:

They have a potent backline, led by Tom Trbojevic, who was the Dally M Player of the Year in 2023. He can create havoc with his speed, vision and support play.
They have a solid forward pack, with Jake Trbojevic, Martin Taupau and Josh Aloiai providing go-forward and offloads. They also have Ryan James and Curtis Sironen adding some punch off the bench.
They have a reliable halves pairing, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Matt Burton combining well. Cherry-Evans is a great leader and game manager, while Burton is a skilful playmaker and goal kicker.
They have a good record against the Rabbitohs, winning four of their last five meetings. They also beat them 36-18 in round 8 last year at ANZ Stadium.

I think Manly could be too strong for South Sydney in Las Vegas, and will start their season with a convincing win.

Who to watch: Latrell Mitchell

Position: Fullback

Jersey #: 1

The star fullback is one of the most dangerous players in the NRL, with his speed, strength and skill. He has scored 19 tries in 21 games for the Rabbitohs this season, and he is a key part of their attacking game. He can break tackles, create opportunities and finish them off with flair. He has also improved his defence and leadership, making him a complete player. Watch out for his explosive runs and dazzling footwork against the Sea Eagles.

Why I think South Sydney will get up

The Rabbitohs are also coming off a successful 2023 season, where they finished third on the ladder and made it to the grand final. They have lost some key players, such as Adam Reynolds, Damien Cook and Jai Arrow, but they have also signed some big names, such as Kalyn Ponga, Brandon Smith and Tevita Pangai Junior. They also have a new coach in Jason Demetriou, who was Wayne Bennett’s assistant for three years.

Some of the reasons why I think South Sydney will win are:

They have a dynamic backline, led by Kalyn Ponga, who was one of the best players in the NRL before his injury last year. He can create magic with his footwork, passing and kicking.
They have a powerful forward pack, with Cameron Murray, Tevita Pangai Junior and Keaon Koloamatangi providing impact and aggression. They also have Brandon Smith and Mark Nicholls adding some spark off the bench.
They have an experienced halves pairing, with Cody Walker and Benji Marshall combining well. Walker is a brilliant ball runner and playmaker, while Marshall is a veteran who can still produce moments of brilliance.
They have a strong motivation to win after losing the grand final last year to Penrith. They will be keen to start their season on a high note and prove themselves under their new coach.

I think South Sydney could prove too good for Manly in Las Vegas, and will kick off their season with a narrow win.

Who to watch: Tom Trbojevic

Position: Fullback

Jersey #: 1

The superstar fullback is arguably the best player in the game right now. He had a sensational 2023 season, scoring 25 tries and setting up 32 more in 24 games. He also won the Dally M Medal, the Wally Lewis Medal and the Brad Fittler Medal. He is a freakish talent who can break open any defence with his speed, agility and support play. He is also a safe custodian at the back, defusing kicks and organising his team. Watch out for his trademark runs from deep inside his own half, where he often leaves defenders in his wake.

What do the bookies say?

The betting odds for the Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs game are as follows:

Bookmaker	Sea Eagles	Rabbitohs
Bet365	2.10	1.72
SportsBet	2.15	1.70
Ladbrokes	2.20	1.67
Betfair	2.24	1.69

As you can see, the bookies are favouring the Rabbitohs to win, but not by much. The odds suggest that it will be a close and competitive game, with both teams having a chance to claim the victory.

The Bottom Line

The Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs game in Las Vegas is set to be a blockbuster, with both teams boasting star-studded line-ups and high expectations for the season ahead. It will be a clash of styles, with Manly relying on their potent attack and South Sydney on their powerful defence. It will also be a test of character, with both teams facing the challenge of playing in a different country and environment.

I think it will be a tight and thrilling game, with both teams scoring some spectacular tries and showing some grit and determination. In the end, I think the Rabbitohs will edge out the Sea Eagles by a small margin, thanks to their experience and motivation.

However, this is just my opinion, and anything can happen in rugby league. That’s why it’s such a great game to watch and enjoy.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any team or betting agency. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.