Only time will tell whether South Sydney have been left mentally scarred from one of the great NRL finals chokes suffered last year, when they gave up a 14-0 lead to lose to Manly.

The Sea Eagles are confident their big-game DNA will come to the fore again on Friday night in their qualifying final against the Rabbitohs, but they won’t be relying on lightning striking twice.

Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran believes Souths are a “completely different” side compared to the one that froze last season with an historic grand final berth within reach.

Foran says the more relevant form guide is their round 22 clash five weeks ago which resulted in a comprehensive win to the Rabbitohs at the SCG.

“I think Souths should be favourites, they have had a stellar year. Last time they played us they bashed us off the park,” said Foran.

“They’re a completely different side this year. They have a whole lot of new faces.

“I think (coach Michael Maguire) has done a great job with them this year, getting them right for the finals. They will be a completely different side this year. We are up against it.”

Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey also believes Souths would have moved on from their 2013 preliminary final nightmare, although he would like to think there is some lingering doubt in the minds of Rabbitohs players: “I hope so.”

Manly boast a backline of superstars but face an almighty challenge up front to match the size of the Rabbitohs forwards led by Sam and George Burgess.

Hindered by injury and a lack of depth and experience, the Sea Eagles no-name forward pack must find something special according to Foran.

“They were brutal to us (in round 22). We know we have a big job. We have to be able to match it with them up front. It’s a big test for us,” he said.

“We have hit a bit of a flat spot, I don’t know if it has been a long year for us.

“But I know being part of this group for many years, we have been there and done it in finals footy. We know how to rise to the occasion.”