NRL, ROUND 20, JULY 15th, 2023 MANLY SEA EAGLES v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
4 PINES PARK,MANLY,SYDNEY
Get ready for a thrilling matchup as two powerhouse teams, the Manly Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys, prepare to clash in a high-stakes NRL Round 20 encounter. The action will unfold at the iconic 4 Pines Park in Manly, Sydney, on July 15th, 2023.
Both teams are returning from a bye and are determined to secure a coveted spot in the top 8. With just a single point separating them in the standings, every play will count in this crucial showdown.
The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles enter the game with mixed recent results, having won only two out of their last five matches. Their narrow defeat against the Roosters in their previous encounter (18-16) showcased their fighting spirit, but they face a formidable challenge in the North Queensland Cowboys.
Coach Anthony Seibold has opted to field an unchanged lineup, keeping faith in the winning combination that went head-to-head with the Roosters. However, the Sea Eagles will need to bring their A-game on defence to counter the Cowboys’ offensive might.
The Sea Eagles boast an electrifying backline, led by the dynamic trio of Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason Saab, and Reuben Garrick. Cherry-Evans, renowned for his exceptional kicking abilities, has averaged a staggering 462 kicking meters this season. Saab’s blistering speed, with an average of 111 running meters, and Garrick’s impressive goal-kicking skills add further firepower to the Sea Eagles’ arsenal.
In the forward pack, Lachlan Croker and Jake Trbojevic embody strength and power, ready to go head-to-head with the Cowboys’ rock-solid defense. However, the Sea Eagles will miss the services of Ben Trbojevic, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain, making way for Dean Matterson to make his NRL debut.
On the other side, the North Queensland Cowboys return from their bye week on a high, having steamrolled the Tigers in their previous outing with a remarkable 74-0 victory. They have shown tremendous improvement as the season progressed and will be eager to continue their winning streak on Saturday night.
The Cowboys’ lineup features a star-studded cast, including the returning Origin players Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi. Alongside them, Scott Drinkwater’s remarkable kicking game adds an extra dimension to their attacking strategy. Keep an eye out for Jeremiah Nanai, who has already made a staggering 249 defensive tackles this season while averaging 102 running meters.
The Cowboys possess depth in their bench players, with Jake Granville and the indomitable Jason Taumalolo ready to provide extra support and leadership whenever required. Taumalolo’s exceptional stats speak for themselves, with 26 tackle breaks, 503 post-contact meters, and an average of 157 running meters this season.
Predicting the outcome of this highly anticipated clash is akin to a strategic game of chess. The returning Origin players from both teams could be the deciding factor in determining who emerges victorious on Saturday.
Haumole Olakau’atu, the rising star in the league, will be eager to showcase his prowess against the league’s most impressive back-rowers. Despite a slight dip in form during the mid-year period, Olakau’atu’s contributions to the Sea Eagles have been noteworthy, with an average of 119 running meters and 28 tackles per game. A return to his early-season form will be crucial if the Sea Eagles aim to make their mark in the upcoming finals.
As anticipation builds for this titanic clash, fans are eagerly awaiting an enthralling spectacle between these two rugby league powerhouses. Strap in and prepare for an adrenaline-pumping showdown that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemei 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jason Taumalolo 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Kyle Feldt 19. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 20. Zac Laybutt 21. Sam McIntyre 22. Riley Price 23. Ben Hampton 24. Brendan Elliot
Sea Eagles: 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. Dean Matterson 15. Aaron Woods 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Josh Aloiai 18. Sean Keppie 19. Morgan Harper 20. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 21. Jakob Arthur 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Chris Butler;
PREDICTION
I think the Cowboys will start as favourites, but do not write Manly off at home in front of their fans. I am going to go with the under dog here. Manly by a couple.
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