Sea Eagles v Cowboys preview

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Are Manly contenders or pretenders? Cowboys look to snag top spot.

After last week's gritty win against Newcastle, Manly have moved themselves into the 8 for the first time this season and will be hell bent on staying there. They won't have it easy this week as they take on a North Queensland side that is yet to fully hit their straps but has still only lost twice all year in moving their way into 2nd.

The Sea Eagles seem to be a lot more comfortable with the structures and directions coach Trent Barrett has implemented and their win last week was one of the most complete performances of the year. However the losses of Brett Stewart and gun winger Tom Trbojevic will hurt them significantly. How they deal with these losses will have a big bearing on the game.

The Cowboys pulled out another gutsy win last week and even scored 32 points against one of the competitions best defensive units. That in itself shows how dangerous this side is and with Lachlan Coote in career best form and a mobile and durable forward pack the Townsville based club will be aiming to keep their good run going and stay in the top 4 with the representative round next week. The Cowboys defence has probably been more impressive than their vaunted attack this year with just 107 points conceded in 8 games. Paul Green's mantra of turning up for each other and putting your body on the line seems to be working wonders for the reigning premiers.

Last meeting: Round 19 2015 - Sea Eagles 12 Cowboys 30

The Cowboys have won the past 3 clashes against Manly including last years win at fortress Brookvale. Manly's last win against the Cowboys at Brookvale was in 2005, although this stat is slightly misleading as the majority of games between the two have been split between 1300Smiles Stadium and Central Coast Stadium in the last few years. Still, North Queensland have lost only 4 times in 9 visits to Brookvale since 1995.

Who to watch: For Manly their big lock forward Jake Trbojevic has been truly immense in 2016. Having been giving a little bit of first grade experience last year, he has come on in leaps and bounds since being moved to Lock. His powerful running style mixed with his uncanny ability to get over the advantage line gives Manly a massive edge every time he touches the ball. The kid also has great durability and plays 80 minutes week in and week out. His stats last week tell the story of a guy playing with confidence. 97 metres gained, 2 tackle busts, 38 tackles, 1 line break and a try. The Cowboys need to limit his impact as he will be relentless on Saturday in what will be a bruising encounter for both forward packs.

For the Cowboys look to Lachlan Coote to continue to add a spark from the fullback position. After penning a new deal this week, Coote is full of confidence and will be looking to keep his good form going with State of Origin not far away. He has taken on a lot of kicking in general play and keep a close eye on his long kicks as he not only takes the pressure off targeted play makers Michael Morgan and Jonathan Thurston but will also force the Manly back three to be carting the ball back from close to the try line, he won't give them any easy metres. His passing game is another attribute that is dangerous and Manly's defence will need to be up in his face to cut down his decision time.

The favourite: The Cowboys are solid favourites in this one, which is no surprise since they have started the season 6-2.

My tip: Going to put the money on the Sea Eagles here. They are always a much different proposition at home and are gaining confidence each week. Trent Barrett's influence on the club is gradually taking it's desired effect and I think they could surprise a few people on Saturday night. Manly by 7.

6. Dylan Walker 2. Brayden Wiliame 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 20. Matthew Wright 23. Pita Godinet 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Darcy Lussick 19. Matt Parcell 10. Nate Myles 11. Tom Symonds 12. Martin Taupau 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown 15. Addin Fonua-blake 16. Brenton Lawrence 17. Siosaia Vave

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 14. Rory Kostjasyn 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 9. Jake Granville 15. Patrick Kaufusi 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant

Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;