SUNDAY JULY 14th, 2024 4:05 pm 4 PINES PARK,MANLY NSW.
Tight Battle Expected as Sea Eagles Face Knights
The Sea Eagles and Knights are separated by just one point on the competition ladder. Both teams are coming off gutsy away wins as they head into a crucial Round 19 encounter.
Cherry-Evans’ Absence a Concern for Manly
Manly’s golden point victory over the Cowboys, secured by Daly Cherry-Evans’ clutch performance, saw them jump back into the top eight. However, their main man will be away on Maroons Origin duty this weekend.
Knights Look to Build on Ponga’s Return
The Knights had to dig deep to fend off the Raiders in Canberra, with Kalyn Ponga making an impressive return from injury. However, the No.1 star, along with centres Bradman Best and Dane Gagai, will be in Maroons camp this week.
Depth Tested for Both Sides
Both sides’ depth will be tested, although Manly is bolstered by the presence of Tom Trbojevic in his second game back from injury and back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, who was left out of the Blues side for Origin Three.
Historic Rivalry Renewed
With a storied rivalry dating back to the legendary 1997 ARL grand final, the Knights and Sea Eagles have faced each other 59 times. Manly holds a 35-23 advantage, with one draw occurring in Mudgee in 2023.
Manly
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tommy Talau 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate, 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Josh Aloiai, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Karl Lawton 13. Nathan Brown 14. Clayton Faulalo 15. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Corey Waddell 18. Caleb Navale 19. Aaron Schoupp, 20. Dean Matterson 21. Ben Condon 22. Aitasi James
Manly’s Line up Adjustments for Knights Clash
Tom Trbojevic returns to his customary fullback role as Tolu Koula faces a stint on the sideline with a knee injury. Tommy Talau shifts to the centres, Lehi Hopoate joins the wing, and Jamie Humphreys steps in as the new halfback in Daly Cherry-Evans’ absence. Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown join the back row in place of Jake Trbojevic (Origin) and Ben Trbojevic (head knock). Corey Waddell, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Clayton Faulalo join the bench.
Knights’ Tactical Changes Against Manly
For the Knights,a new-look backline for Adam O’Brien with Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Dane Gagai on State of Origin duty and Enari Tuala nursing a calf injury. Fletcher Sharpe takes over at fullback, Krystian Mamapalangi moves to the wing, and Dylan Lucas and Thomas Cant are the new centres. Phoenix Crossland returns from a concussion to play at hooker, while Adam Elliott comes in at lock, with Mat Croker reverting to the bench.
Knights
1. Fletcher Sharpe 2. Krystian Mapapalangi 3. Dylan Lucas 4. Thomas Cant, 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Will Pryce 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland , 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jayden Brailey , 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Brodie Jones 17. Mathew Croker 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Jack Cogger, 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Riley Jones 22. Thomas Jenkins
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges. David Munro, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond.
Key Match Facts
The Sea Eagles have won nine of their past 11 games against the Knights at 4 Pines Park.
The Knights have won four of their past five away games.
The Sea Eagles have won five out of six games at 4 Pines Park this season.
Knights halfback Jackson Hastings will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has won only one out of five games against the Knights.
Prediction.
The depth of both teams will be tested, but the Manly side seems slightly stronger and more experienced than the Knights, which could give them the edge in what promises to be a tight, back-and-forth game. Playing at home also provides Manly with a slight advantage.
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