2:00 pm SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8th,2024 4 PINES PARK,MANLY, SYDNEY
High-Stakes Clash as Sea Eagles Host Sharks
As the regular season draws to an end, the stakes couldn’t be higher when the Manly Sea Eagles host the Cronulla Sharks at 4 Pines Park this Sunday afternoon. Both teams are battling for key spots in the top eight, and a victory in this match could have a major impact on their finals hopes.
Sea Eagles Dominate Bulldogs Despite Injury Concerns
The Manly Sea Eagles made a strong statement with their dominant 34-22 win over the Bulldogs last week. Despite an early setback, conceding a try just minutes into the game, Manly quickly turned the tide with a series of brilliant plays. A clever play off a scrum saw Olakau’atu connect with Reuben Garrick, setting up Jason Saab for a try that opened the floodgates. Luke Brooks and Tom Trbojevic then orchestrated a series of attacking raids, overwhelming the Bulldogs, with Lehi Hopoate crossing the line twice. Despite the Sea Eagles’ impressive display, the win came at a cost, as star fullback Tom Trbojevic suffered a shoulder injury. Props Taniela Paseka and Matt Lodge also played pivotal roles, with Paseka running for 116 meters and Lodge adding 137 in his first game since Round 11.
Manly
1. Tolutau Koula 2. Clayton Faulalo 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick , 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton, 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Nathan Brown 18. Toafofoa Sipley 19. Jamie Humphreys
Sharks Face Heartbreak Against Warriors
In contrast, the Cronulla Sharks suffered a heartbreaking 30-28 loss to the Warriors last round, undone by a second-half surge from the visitors. The Sharks seemed in command with a 22-4 halftime lead, driven by standout efforts from Teig Wilton, Samuel Stonestreet, and Nicho Hynes. However, a remarkable comeback led by Shaun Johnson turned the tide for the Warriors, and despite a late try from Stonestreet, the Sharks couldn’t seal the win. This defeat could be costly, jeopardizing their chances of a top-two finish and a home final.
Sea Eagles’ Line-up Adjustments for Final Round
For the Sea Eagles, a victory over the Sharks will lock in a home game for the first week of the finals. Buoyed by last week’s success, they’ll need to quickly adjust to the absence of key players like Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab. Tolu Koula will take over at fullback, while Clayton Faulalo steps in on the wing. The Sea Eagles have been dominant at 4 Pines Park this season, winning eight of their nine games, but their form without Trbojevic is less promising, with just two wins from five matches without their star fullback in 2024.
Sharks Aim for Top Four Spot
For the Sharks, this match is about more than just a win—it’s about setting themselves up for a strong finals push. A victory could propel them as high as second place, depending on the outcomes of the Penrith and Roosters matches. The Sharks will welcome back key players Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jesse Ramien, with Nicho Hynes returning to his regular halfback role after injury. Siosifa Talakai, sidelined for the past two games with a calf injury, is named among the reserves. Cronulla, having won their last two matches at 4 Pines Park, will be aiming to extend that streak to three against a depleted Manly side.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey , 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton , 19. Siosifa Talakai 20. Jayden Berrell
Referee. Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond.
Key Stats and Milestones
The Sea Eagles have an impressive record at 4 Pines Park, winning eight of their nine games there this season.
The Sharks are riding momentum at 4 Pines Park, having won their last two matches at the venue.
Without Tom Trbojevic in 2024, the Sea Eagles have struggled, winning just two of their five games.
Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey will celebrate a milestone, playing his 100th consecutive game.
Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has been in red-hot form, crossing the line eight times in his past eight games.
Final Round Prediction: Manly vs Cronulla
As we approach the final round, both teams are well aware of the stakes. For Manly, securing a home final could be crucial to avoiding an early exit from the finals. For Cronulla, a win could propel them into the top four, positioning them for a deep finals campaign. Sunday’s showdown at 4 Pines Stadium is set to be a thrilling contest, with both sides ready to give it their all in pursuit of victory.
Prediction
With so much on the line for both sides and the match being played in front of a sold-out crowd, I’d probably have to put my money on Manly for this one – but in saying that, I don’t think they will win by much if they do!
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