Manly hit man Steve Matai is set to wind up for another bellringer against South Sydney after recovering from his own concussion.

Matai produced the legal hit of the NRL season when the clubs last met as he flew out of the defensive line and floored forward Ben Lowe in round 16.

But the veteran centre has been forced to overcome a blow of his own after suffering severe whiplash in a fall against the Warriors a fortnight ago.

He was rested from last week's surprise romp over leaders Brisbane but was named by coach Geoff Toovey for Friday night's rematch against the defending premiers at Brookvale Oval.

"He's still got to go through some protocol...if he passes that, we're pretty confident he'll be okay," Toovey said on Thursday.

A Jamie Lyon-less Manly side was sitting in last spot when the Rabbitohs triumphed 20-8 back in late June.

Since then however, the Sea Eagles have won four of their past five, shooting back into finals reckoning and are now just two points outside the top eight.

Should results go their way, Toovey's men could rise as high as seventh, entering the top half of the ladder for the first time this season.

"People seem to forget we were equal first last year after the end of the season, (and) missed out on the minor premiership by for and against points," Toovey said.

"It's been a tough year, which has been well-documented, but we just need to keep winning.

"And once we get into those semis, if we do, I'm sure there'll be a few teams looking over their shoulders."

Toovey has long been a critic of the current top-eight format, believing that it rewards teams that haven't consistently won during the season.

But the departing coach sang a different tune ahead of the crucial clash against Brisbane.

"I'm glad how it is at the moment because we're a chance of getting back in there," he said.

"It's great for the fans and the TV ratings, but I just believe that it does reward teams that aren't consistent through the year.

"In saying that, the competition is so tight this year that anyone deserves to be there."



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