NRL, ROUND 18, JULY 2nd, 2023 MANLY SEA EAGLES v SYDNEY ROOSTERS
4 PINES PARK STADIUM,SYDNEY
A battle that could shape the destiny of both teams’ seasons, the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters are set to collide on the sun-kissed Northern Beaches of Sydney. Currently out of form and languishing in the lower ranks of the NRL ladder, these teams are hungry for a victory to keep their faint hopes of finals football alive.
The Manly Sea Eagles find themselves in the 13th spot, having secured only six wins out of 14 matches this season. Their journey towards the finals has been filled with challenges, further compounded by the absence of their attacking powerhouse, Tom Trbojevic, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Nevertheless, the clash against the Roosters presents a crucial litmus test for the Sea Eagles, as they face a side that is also grappling with poor performance but boasts a lineup of talented stars eager to prove themselves.
In their previous outing, the Sea Eagles displayed a strong start against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park, opening the scoring after just 13 minutes. However, they faltered in the second half, unable to sustain their initial momentum against the relentless offensive arsenal of the Storm. Despite the defeat, the Sea Eagles receive a much-needed boost with the return of Jake Trbojevic from a calf injury, along with Jason Saab, Brad Parker, Kelma Tuilagi, and Ben Trbojevic, all making their comebacks from various injuries. These reinforcements provide a timely lift for Manly ahead of their crucial clash against the Roosters.
One player who garnered considerable attention for his playmaking ability was Josh Schuster. However, his transition to the halves has proven to be a disappointment for the Sea Eagles, leading to speculation that his future lies in the back row for the 2024 season. The remainder of this year presents a vital opportunity for Schuster to develop his game further and demonstrate his value either as a halves option for Manly or as an attractive prospect for other interested clubs.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters find themselves in 12th place on the NRL ladder, just one point ahead of their opponents. Struggling in almost every statistical category, the tricolours have faced a tumultuous year, grappling with an injury crisis and suspensions. The inability of key players to step up when needed has compounded the team’s issues, causing them to languish at the bottom.
In their recent outing against the Raiders, the Roosters suffered another subpar performance, despite the close 20-18 scoreline. The match exposed the team’s inability to match the intensity of stronger opponents, with only a late effort by Lindsay Collins keeping the Roosters within touching distance. The return of Joseph Sualii and Fletcher Baker from suspension and injury respectively offers a glimmer of hope for the Roosters, but their lineup is marred by the absence of Angus Crichton and Egan Butcher due to injuries.
As a representative captain, James Tedesco is afforded a certain level of leeway due to his esteemed position. However, the patience is wearing thin as Tedesco’s performances have been lackluster. Despite acknowledging his poor form, the star player has struggled to find improvement, and each passing week highlights new concerns. To prove himself as the right player for both New South Wales and, more importantly, the Roosters, Tedesco needs to rise to the occasion and demonstrate his true potential.
In conclusion, the NRL Round 18 clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters is poised to be a crucial encounter that will shape the aspirations of both teams. With their seasons hanging in the balance, these two sides will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory on the picturesque Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Roosters. 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Victor Radley 12. Naufahu Whyte 13. Nathan Brown 14. Drew Hutchison 15. Terrell May 16. Siua Wong 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Junior Pauga 19. Corey Allan 20. Zach Dockar-Clay 21. Nat Butcher 22. Dylan Napa
Manly. 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Aaron Woods 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Morgan Harper 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Karl Lawton 22. Sean Keppie
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;
PREDICTION
Another hard game to pick with both sides playing well below their ability. They both have star players in their sides but don’t seem to be able to put an 80 minutes effort together. Maybe playing at home will give Manly the edge. Be careful ,as both sides are capable, so look for value if betting. Look for a points start.
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