Pre-Season Challenge Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles, 2025

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are back in business for season 2025, with their first outing of the year to take place this Saturday afternoon against traditional rivals the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. This may be a trial game, but rest assured there will be plenty of feeling in it, as is always the case when the Rabbitohs and the Sea Eagles face off.

With many core players off to All Stars representative duty, this match will serve as a fantastic opportunity for players wanting to stake their claim for a spot in Wayne Bennett’s side come round one. It will also be a great chance for the South Sydney Members and supporters to catch a glimpse into the future of the Cardinal and Myrtle.

ISAIAH TASS: "IT'S BEEN A LONG COUPLE OF MONTHS"

Isaiah Tass is relishing the chance to be back on the park representing the Red and Green. Having not played since suffering an ankle injury in May 2024, Tass could not be keener to take the field this Saturday.

"I’m very excited and keen to get back out there this weekend. It’s been a long couple of months just sitting down… but I’m glad to finally get out there and chuck a jersey on and play some footy."

JYE GRAY: "I’D LOVE TO BE ABLE TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT AGAIN THIS YEAR."

Jye Gray had a debut season to remember, featuring in 13 games at fullback and accumulating seven tries. An elusive runner of the ball, Gray made a habit of forcing defenders to miss – something he will be looking to continue when he lines up in 2025.

"Obviously after getting to experience some first-grade stuff last year I’d love to be able to get the opportunity to do that again this year, but (I’m) taking it step by step and enjoying the process."

LACHLAN HUBNER: "I’M KEEN TO PLAY AND BUILD SOME CONNECTIONS AND CULTURE WITH THE BOYS."

Lachlan Hubner will line up in the number 13 jersey for his first hit-out as a Rabbitoh, having arrived at the club from the Dolphins over the off-season. Hubner made his NRL debut in 2024, playing a total of four games for the year. He’ll certainly be looking to add to that tally in 2025 and is already loving his new surroundings and teammates.

"The connection with the boys has been really good. They’ve been really welcoming me in and getting around me. I’m keen to play and build some connections and culture with the boys."

TEAM CHANGES

Rabbitohs assistant coach Ben Hornby has named an exciting side for this clash, including 14 players with first-grade experience. It’s a chance to see new recruits in action in Declan Casey, Talanoa Penitani, Lewis Dodd, Max McCarthy, Lachlan Hubner and Salesi Ataata. Isaiah Tass has been named captain for this fixture, marking the first time he will lead the Rabbitohs in his career.

View the latest 24-hour squad update here.

LAST FIVE RESULTS

• Round 16, 2024 – Rabbitohs 14-0 Sea Eagles (Accor Stadium)
• Round 1, 2024 – Sea Eagles 36-24 Rabbitohs (Allegiant Stadium)
• Round 4, 2023 – Rabbitohs 13-12 Sea Eagles (Accor Stadium)
• Round 8, 2022 – Rabbitohs 40-22 Sea Eagles (Industree Group Stadium)
• Prelim Final, 2021 – Rabbitohs 36-16 Sea Eagles (Suncorp Stadium)

MATCH DETAILS & WHERE TO WATCH

Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Date: Saturday, 15 February, 2025
Kick-off: 3:30 PM (AEDT)
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Central Coast
Tickets Available: Ticketek