NRL, ROUND 22, JULY 29th, 2023, ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA v MANLY SEA EAGLES
WIN STADIUM,WOLLONGONG,SYDNEY
Get ready for a thrilling NRL showdown as Round 22 brings an epic clash between the spirited St George Illawarra Dragons and the determined Manly Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on July 29th, 2023.
Both sides enter this encounter with high stakes on the line. The Dragons, fresh off a crucial victory against Wests Tigers, are determined to spoil Manly’s finals hopes and honour Daly Cherry-Evans’ momentous 300th game milestone. On the other hand, the Sea Eagles, after surviving a scare in Cronulla, are eager to break their two-decade-long horror streak in Wollongong.
The Dragons hold an impressive track record against the Sea Eagles, boasting seven wins from their last nine meetings since 2017. Interim coach Ryan Carr’s strategic decisions have elevated the Dragons’ performance, exemplified by Connor Mulheisen’s remarkable first-grade debut after Moses Mbye’s departure.
Sitting in 15th position and facing a challenging run of fixtures against top-eight contenders, the Dragons are determined to secure victory and steer clear of the wooden spoon for the first time.
The Dragons’ recent form has shown significant improvement, and a win in this crucial encounter will set them on a path to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. With a difficult schedule ahead, securing points at WIN Stadium is paramount for their campaign.
Dragons winger Mikaele Ravalawa has been on fire, scoring eight tries in his past six games at WIN Stadium. The team’s cohesion and tenacity have been evident, and they are aiming to build on their recent successes.
In contrast, the Sea Eagles find themselves at a do-or-die juncture, needing a win to stay in contention for a top-eight finish.
Coach Anthony Seibold’s side has shown glimpses of brilliance, as witnessed in their nail-biting 30-26 victory over the Sharks. However, inconsistent performances and a struggle to secure wins at WIN Stadium have challenged their aspirations.
Daly Cherry-Evans’ 300th game milestone marks a momentous occasion for the Sea Eagles, and his leadership will be crucial in inspiring the team to overcome their historical struggles at the venue. The Sea Eagles’ forward line, with players like Matthew Lodge and Toafofoa Sipley stepping up, is expected to play a vital role in this must-win clash.
In conclusion, rugby league fans and followers are in for a thrilling spectacle as the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Manly Sea Eagles collide in Round 22 at WIN Stadium. The Dragons’ quest to avoid the wooden spoon and the Sea Eagles’ desperate pursuit for a top-eight finish add a riveting narrative to this highly anticipated encounter. Mark your calendars for this clash of titans, where rugby league history is set to unfold!
DRAGONS. 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Michael Molo 16. Toby Couchman 17. Jack Bird 18. Zane Musgrove 19. Sione Finau 20. Ryan Couchman 21. Max Feagai 22. Jaiyden Hunt
MANLY. 1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dean Matterson 15. Aaron Woods 16. Sean Keppie 17. Ethan Bullemor 18. Kaeo Weekes 19. Ben Condon 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Referees: Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Darian Furner, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;
PREDICTION
Having watched the women’s NRL game last night, Broncos v Titans ,refereed by Kasey Badger, I hope she can do better as a bunker ref, because she made some poor decisions in this game. I do not support either team for the record, but I do like a fair contest. I do not normally criticise refs but Some one needs to point out when they are not up to standard. Now for the match, Manly should be too good in the gong.
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