Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles preview

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Will the Tigers' enterprising style of football contribute to yet another home victory, or will the Sea Eagles and their well-publicised list of recruits rise to expectations?

The Wests Tigers opened their 2016 campaign with a rampant victory over an underwhelming Warriors outfit. The victory, however, was marred by a late comeback by the away side, with the black-and-golds surrendering a 24-point lead at half time to almost crumble to defeat. Yet, in defeating one of the more highly rated premiership favourites (albeit a disjointed performance from the Warriors), the Tigers have certainly displayed their intent for their 2016 season, being at times unstructured attacking football. 

Manly, much like the Warriors, entered Round 1 as an overwhelming favourite with the bookies to reclaim a position in the Top 4 and restore the fortitude of Fortress Brookvale. Yet, much like their New Zealand counterparts, Manly struggled with new combinations, falling to an impressive Bulldogs outfit 28-4. The performance of their forwards, however, was of most concern. The Bulldogs rolled through the Sea Eagles outfit dominating field possession, with the Canterbury forwards combining for 7 tackle busts compared to Manly's 2. The Sea Eagles will need to ensure their array of forwards aim up against a tough Wests Tigers pack, who combined themselves for 8 tackle busts last weekend.

Last meeting: Round 15 2015 - Sea Eagles 30 Tigers 20

The Sea Eagles moved further away from the foot of the ladder with a 30-20 victory in a high scoring affair. These sides have only met at Leichhardt once in the past 5 years, with the Tigers claiming a comfortable 34-18 victory in 2014 in wet conditions.

Who to watch: After exemplary first round efforts, all eyes will be on Wests Tigers' young guns Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco. Tedesco had gained a reputation for his ability to break open games and only strengthened this claim with an excellent Round 1 display. The Origin bolter ran for 170 metres, producing 2 offloads, 4 tackle busts, 1 line break and 2 scintillating tries in the process. One may wonder what Tedesco has to do to break into Daley's side come mid-year. Similarly, the less heralded and often criticised Mitchell Moses starred for the Tigers, overshadowing Johnson in the opening 40 with 2 try assists and a supportive hand in others. Moses will come up against the inexperienced Dylan Walker on Monday night's game.

For the Sea Eagles, all eyes will be on million dollar man Daly Cherry-Evans to improve upon last week's performance. A defensively sound (32 tackles, only missing 2) Cherry Evans was unable to produce the attacking flair he had been renowned for in past seasons not collecting any attacking statistics of much merit in a mixed performance for the star halfback. Supporters will be looking for further involvement from Cherry Evans, and good service from his forward pack in order to be given more offensive opportunities to gain points. Consequently, the Manly forwards will be watched with particular intrigue by both fans and Barrett, with the rookie coach electing to drop underperforming Darcy Lussick and Blake Leary in a clear sign of his power.

The favourite: Despite a heavy loss, the Sea Eagles and their new recruits are expected to put in a more balanced performance this week and bounce back from their embarrassing last start effort.

My tip: For the Tigers, if they are to win this game they will need to contribute a more complete performance, with many questions arising from their Round 1 victory. The Sea Eagles, if they aim up up front should be able to give Cherry Evans ample opportunity to claim their first victory. However, at home, in front of what should be a small, yet vocal crowd, I expect a youthful Tigers outfit to add to Manly's disappointing start to their 2016 campaign. Wests Tigers by 10.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 007. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Tim Grant 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Manaia Cherrington

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Brayden Wiliame 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Starling 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Lewis Brown 12. Martin Taupau 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Matt Parcell 15. Nathan Green 16. Brenton Lawrence 17. Siosaia Vave

Referees: Henry Perenara, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Jared Maxwell, Bernard Sutton;