NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers
Brookvale Oval - Friday 7:45pm
Desperation day approaches for the Sea Eagles in must-win encounter.
Having won only three matches all season, Friday night's game against the Tigers is of extreme importance for Manly as they look to climb their way off the bottom of the NRL ladder. Coming off a bye, Geoff Toovey will be looking for an improved showing following the lacklustre display against the Broncos in their last match in Brisbane. Once again injuries have taken a major toll on the Sea Eagles, captain Jamie Lyon will miss the clash with a hamstring injury, allowing promising youngster Tom Trbojevic another opportunity in the top grade.
For the Tigers, last week's dominant win over South Sydney may well prove to be the catalyst for a surge towards the finals over the second-half of 2015. Aaron Woods has been named to back up from Origin on Wednesday night, while captain Robbie Farah may be a late inclusion at the expense of the highly touted Manaia Cherington. The Tigers will be hoping their return is able to help the joint venture secure their first win at Brookvale Oval since 2003. Keith Galloway will play his 200th NRL game after debuting with Cronulla in 2003.
Last Meeting: Round 18, 2014 - Manly Sea Eagles 40 Wests Tigers 8
Who to watch: In a disappointing season for the Sea Eagles, one of the few shining lights has been young prop Jake Trbojevic. Having struggled for game time over the past few seasons, the Mona Vake junior has worked his way into the Manly pack with a number of strong performances up front. Running for 100 metres a game, Trbojevic will need to be at his best against one of the form front-rowers in the competition in Aaron Woods; but if he is able to stand up to the challenge, he may well be able to lead Manly to a much-needed victory.
Coming up against one of the most experienced fullbacks in the NRL, James Tedesco will relish the opportunity to continue his try-scoring form against Brett Stewart. Crossing for a double in the 34-6 victory over the Rabbitohs last week, Tedesco has been a shining light for the Tigers coming back from a series of leg injuries. Averaging 150 metres a game, the Camden junior will need to be at his best if the Tigers are to come away with a win.
The favourite: Surprisingly the Sea Eagles have been backed to come away with win, despite the impressive display offered up by the Tigers last Friday night.
My tip: With both sides failing to live up to expectations so far this season, the home ground advantage and dire predicament faced by the Sea Eagles should get them over the line narrowly. Sea Eagles by 2.
1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Peta Hiku 4. Steve Matai 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Luke Burgess 9. Matt Ballin 10. Willie Mason 11. Blake Leary 12. Tom Symonds 13. Dunamis Lui
Interchange: 14. Feleti Mateo 15. Jake Trbojevic 16. James Hasson 17. Ligi Sao 22. Josh Starling
1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. David Nofoaluma 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Keith Galloway 11. Kyle Lovett 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Ava Seumanufagai 15. Matthew Lodge 16. Brenden Santi 17. Manaia Cherrington 21. Jack Buchanan
Referees: Jared Maxwell, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Daniel Irvine;