Sea Eagles v Knights preview

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights
Brookvale Oval - Sunday 2:00pm

Former Grand Final foes clash for much needed two points.

After a much needed win over Melbourne on ANZAC Day, Manly will play their first game at Brookvale Oval since Round 3. With Steve Matai out through suspension, Jamie Lyon will provide a timely boost to the Sea Eagles in attack and as a goal kicker, an area Manly have struggled in his absence. With Jamie Buhrer ruled out for the remainder of 2015 with an ACL injury, former Cowboy Blake Leary comes onto the bench after spending time in NSW Cup. Brett Stewart requires only one try to achieve the honour of scoring 150 tries for Manly.

Following their fourth-straight loss to North Queensland in Round 8, Knights coach Rick Stone has retained the same 18-man side he has persevered with throughout 2015 so far. In a much-needed boost, Beau Scott will make his return in the second row, forcing Chris Houston back to the bench. After starring in Country's win last Sunday, James McManus, Akuila Uate, Kade Snowden and Tariq Sims will be hoping to impress Blues coach Laurie Daley to earn a spot in the New South Wales side for Game One.

Last meeting: Round 10 2014 - Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 15 Newcastle Knights 14

Who to watch: After resurrecting his career with the Knights over the past three years, Willie Mason will be looking to add further misery on his former club. While emerging forwards such as Jake Trbojevic and Josh Starling have been touted as future leaders of the Manly forward pack, the experience of Mason should prove invaluable going forward. Having been told to move on by current Newcastle coach Rick Stone, Mason will be out to prove he still has what it takes by leading the Sea Eagles to a win.

Following a self-confessed ‘shocker' against the Cowboys, Kurt Gidley will be out to provide Knights fans with a reminder of his extraordinary ability at Brookvale Oval. Making the decision to sign with English club Warrington this week, Gidley will be hoping to lead the Knights to a premiership in his final season, and will have no shortage of inspiration coming up against the Sea Eagles, following the heartbreaking loss last year.

The favourite: On the back of a last-start victory and several returning players, the Sea Eagles are expected to come away from Brookvale with the win.

My tip: After dropping their last four games, the Knights will be looking to channel the spirit of the 1997 side that defeated the Sea Eagles in the Grand Final. Knights by 2.

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Peta Hiku 5. David Williams 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Luke Burgess 11. Tom Symonds 12. Justin Horo 13. Dunamis Lui
Interchange: 14. Jayden Hodges 15. Willie Mason 16. Blake Leary 17. Ligi Sao

1. Kurt Gidley 2. James McManus 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. Korbin Sims 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Tyler Randell 15. Chris Houston 16. David Fa'alogo 17. Jack Stockwell 18. Sione Mata'utia

Referees: Adam Devcich, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, David Ryan; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Daniel Irvine;

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