Round one of the NRL always carries significant weight and excitement. After enduring a scorching Australian summer, fans eagerly anticipate the return of the sport they love. However, this year holds even greater significance. In 2024, Rugby League marks its much-anticipated return through a groundbreaking event in Las Vegas. The South Sydney Rabbitohs will kick off the season with a highly anticipated clash against their traditional rivals, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, at the iconic Allegiant Stadium.

The spectacle of Rugby League taking center stage in Las Vegas adds an extra layer of grandeur and excitement to the occasion. Fans from around the world will be drawn to this historic event, eager to witness the thrilling action unfold in a setting synonymous with entertainment and spectacle.

As the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles prepare to face off in this momentous season opener, anticipation builds, setting the stage for a spectacular start to the NRL season.

The anticipation of round one in Las Vegas, with its bright lights and grand stage, is sure to add an extra level of excitement to this contest. However, once the opening whistle blows, both teams will set aside the glamour and concentrate on the essential task at hand: beginning their seasons on the right foot with a victory and securing two crucial competition points.

Souths enter this match with ample reason to feel confident. Their commanding performance in the Charity Shield against the Dragons two weeks ago demonstrated their readiness to put a disappointing 2023 season behind them and strive to reclaim a position in the top eight. This confidence will likely fuel their determination as they take to the field against the Sea Eagles, aiming to kickstart their season with a statement win.

The Rabbitohs’ impressive record in round one clashes, winning four of their last five, further solidifies their reputation as strong starters to the NRL season. Their only setback in recent years was against the Melbourne Storm in 2021, a team renowned for its consistency and dominance, especially in round one fixtures.

Moreover, Souths’ dominance over the Sea Eagles in recent encounters, winning seven out of their last eight matchups, underscores their strong form against this particular opponent. Among these victories, the 2019 finals clash stands out as a memorable encounter.

In that match, despite trailing 18-16 at halftime and falling further behind at the hour mark, Souths managed to rally back after Jake Trbojevic’s sin binning. The team displayed resilience and determination, ultimately securing a 34-26 victory with crucial tries from former captain John Sutton and current captain Cameron Murray.

It’s noteworthy that several players from both teams who were involved in that thrilling 2019 encounter will feature in the upcoming match at Allegiant Stadium. One such player is Sean Keppie, although his unique situation of switching sides since that match adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative surrounding this game.

It seems that Keppie’s move from Manly to Souths during the off-season sets up an intriguing storyline for the upcoming match, as he prepares to debut for Souths against his former club, for which he played 79 games. Given his strong performance in the Charity Shield, where he showcased his abilities, Keppie will undoubtedly be motivated to make a significant impact against his former teammates and prove himself to his new team.

In terms of historical statistics and context for the upcoming match:

– This match marks the first time since 1995 that the Rabbitohs will face the Sea Eagles in round one, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the encounter.
– The Rabbitohs have a solid record in round one clashes, having won four of their last five encounters. However, they suffered a loss in 2021 against the Melbourne Storm, known for their proficiency in round one fixtures.
– Additionally, the Rabbitohs have been dominant against Manly in recent times, winning eight of their last nine encounters.

These statistics provide an interesting backdrop for the upcoming match, suggesting that Souths may enter the game with confidence based on their recent successes against Manly and their overall track record in round one fixtures.

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