This game will be far from the "cake walk" that chip stealer fans are hoping for. Recent history shows that the last 8 times these 2 sides have met,
Souths have scored a total of 159 points at an average 20 points per game for 3 wins and Manly have scored 166 at an average of 21 points per game for 5 wins.
Last week Manly took a valium in the second half against a Newcastle side decimated by injury. This was somewhat reminiscent of their 2010 2nd half performances
when they had the worst 2nd half record of any team in the NRL. Conversely, Souths who'd lost Issac Luke, scored 20 second half points in their victory over the Eels.
Manly are undefeated at Bluetongue and Souths have easily won their last two matches there.
Expect Souths to have strong support at Gosford with Manly fans sandwiched between Rabbitoh and Bears fans both baying for Manly blood.
Make no mistake there has been very little between these 2 sides over the last 4 years and Friday night will be no different.
This should be a close hard fought encounter which is likely to be won in the backs, with both sets of forwards cancelling each other out.
If the scores are close at half time I'm tipping the Rabbitohs to finish stronger and win this one.