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Author: Luke Hovhanesian
Feb 27, 2024 02:00 PM
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Las Vegas Double Header
The 2024 NRL season commences in Las Vegas with an iconic double-header.
This marks the league's foray into the United States and outlining its global strategy aimed at captivating American audiences, both emotionally and financially.
Manly and South Sydney inaugurate the season and hopefully positions Rugby League as the primary Australian football code with international reach.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview
The match bears substantial importance for both teams, particularly as Manly and Souths failed to secure playoff berths last season.
With Manly's recent struggles, having won only 20 of their last 48 games and missing the finals in the past two years, and Souths' unexpected downfall in the previous season after being early premiership favorites, the stakes are high.
Injuries and suspensions further intensify the challenge, with key players like Tof Sipley and Josh Schuster absent for Manly, and Jack Wighton suspended along with Campbell Graham and Tyrone Munro injured for Souths.
Although Cody Walker's availability for Souths remains uncertain, their consistent performance against Manly, winning seven consecutive encounters, and their strong coaching and organizational prowess, suggest a fiercely contested match.
Betting Statistics and Tips
Statistical trends also point towards an intriguing matchup, with underdogs historically prevailing in Round 1 matches at a rate of 58%.
Additionally, betting on the under has proven profitable, with nearly 57% of Round 1 games since 2008 hitting the under, and an impressive 13-3 record in the last two seasons.
The game's venue, featuring a narrower and shorter field with smaller in-goals, further supports the likelihood of a low-scoring affair.
