SUNDAY MARCH 24th 2024 COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY
Manly Eye Perfect Start Against Eels
Manly have a chance to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2007,when they went on to play in the NRL Grand Final.
Battle of the Beaches: Manly vs. Eels Preview
The Manly team will face off against the Eels, who have also begun well, yet it’s the boys from the northern beaches who are poised to maintain their flawless season.
Luke Brooks’ Impact for Manly
The move of Luke Brooks to partner Daly Cherry-Evans has worked a treat for Manly and it will flourish more and more with every game.
Even the most devoted Sea Eagles supporter couldn’t have foreseen Brooks igniting his running game with such remarkable flair, consistently posing a threat and adeptly manoeuvring on either side of the ruck, thereby opening up space for runners on both edges.
After suffering defeats in their last two encounters with the Eels at CommBank and enduring the loss of Tom Trbojevic to a season-ending shoulder injury there in 2022, Manly is hopeful for a reversal of fortune as they aim to kick off the season with a perfect 3-0 record.
Manly’s Defensive Resurgence
Despite previous doubts surrounding Manly’s defense, they demonstrated strength by effectively thwarting the Roosters in their second triumph of the season last week. The defensive line of the Sea Eagles will be tested heavily again this week when they take on the Parramatta Eels which should result in an entertaining game for the fans.
Parramatta didn’t have the best defensive structure last season and were put under fire last week in their loss to the Panthers. I predict that the Eels will score a few tries, but so will Manly, and it will be the Sea Eagles that do enough to get a 1-12 win against the Westies. This will be an entertaining Sunday encounter that will see the game total of 41.5 be exceeded.
Eels Face Defensive Challenges
The Eels showcased strong competitiveness in the first half against the Panthers, leading by two points at halftime. However, the momentum shifted swiftly with two tries in two minutes by Sunia Turuva and Izack Tago, leaving them deflated.
Injury Concerns for Both Teams
The absence of Bailey Simonsson due to a head injury and Kelma Tuilagi sidelined with a shoulder injury posed a challenge to the Eels’ depth throughout the game. However, they displayed resilience and managed to endure, extracting several positive aspects from the match.
Manly faces their own injury setbacks, as winger Tommy Talau sustained an ankle injury in his debut game for the club, adding to the absence of Jason Saab for another month due to a hamstring issue.
Given the Eels’ concession of six line breaks to Izak Tago of the Panthers last week, it’s anticipated that Manly will target Parramatta’s left-side defense, potentially leading to Reuben Garrick securing his second try of the season.
Key Match Insights and Stats
Manly have started the season 2-0.
The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 games between Manly and Parramatta.
14 of 24 Eels games hit the over last season.
Parramatta conceded 3 tries on their left edge against the Panthers last week.
The Eels have won three of their past four games against Manly.
Manly winger Jaxson Paulo has scored seven tries in six games against the Eels.
The Eels have won eight of their past 10 games at CommBank Stadium.
Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick requires 14 points to bring up 1,000 points for the club.
Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Line-ups and Referees
For the Eels, former Sea Eagles player, Morgan Harper moves to the wing to cover for Bailey Simonsson (head knock) with Blaize Talagi coming into the centres for his NRL debut. Luca Moretti has been promoted to the bench with Brendan Hands dropping to the reserves. Kelma Tuilagi has been named on the bench despite suffering a shoulder injury against the Panthers.
For Manly, Tommy Talau is listed among the reserves after suffering an ankle injury against the Roosters with Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega named to start. That is the only change to the side that downed the Roosters on Sunday. Josh Schuster looks set to again line up in NSW Cup.
Sea Eagles Line-up:
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Tommy Talau 20. Aaron Woods 21. Brad Parker 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Eels Line-up:
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Morgan Harper 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Luca Moretti 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Brendan Hands 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Daejarn Asi
Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
PREDICTION
I think the Eels will start as favourite in this one, but I am going with Manly with a plus 4.5 points start.
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