South Sydney Coach Michael Maguire insists revenge isn’t on the minds of his players as they line up against Manly on Friday for the first time since their heartbreaking preliminary final loss to the Sea Eagles last year.
The Rabbitohs face 2013’s other grand finalist in Gosford in round two on Friday, after disposing of premiers the Sydney Roosters in the opening round.
The Sea Eagles bundled Souths out of last season’s premiership race with an epic 30-20 come-from-behind win in the first preliminary final after the Rabbitohs led 14-0 after 11 minutes.
“We have done enough talking about that game, we are a different team, we have started a new journey,” Maguire said at training on Wednesday.
“We had the performance we were after in round one, we have to make sure we do it again in round two.
“Manly are a great team, they are a real competitive team, they showed when we played them last year, that every moment counts in a game.
“It’s a good start to play the two teams who were in the grand final to see exactly where we are,” Maguire said at training on Wednesday.
“We had a good performance in round one but we understand that is our first performance and we have to roll that into round two.
“As much as we were pleased with the effort we have to keep it up.
“We are looking forward to the challenge that Manly bring.”
Five-eighth Dylan Walker and back-rower Chris McQueen (both ankle) remain in some doubt for the Bluetongue Stadium encounter.
Walker trained freely on Wednesday and Maguire said he was confident both players would be fit.
“At the moment we are thinking they are going to be ok,” Maguire said.
“But they have to go through a fitness test to make sure but we are confident they will be right to go.
Manly will be missing superstar fullback Brett Stewart (hamstring) but will be buoyed by the returns of winger David Williams and prop Jason King.
Peta Hiku takes Stewart’s spot at the back.
Souths have named the same 17 that enjoyed an impressive 28-8 win over the Roosters.