Sea Eagles v Sharks preview

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Rivals in contrasting form do battle at Fortress Brookvale.

Having been heralded as premiership contenders prior to the season, the Sea Eagles have struggled in the opening fortnight as a result of the number of new faces spread throughout their ranks. Under the guidance of rookie coach Trent Barrett, Manly showed signs of improvement on Monday night to claw their way back from a 16-2 deficit to level the scores just after halftime against Wests Tigers. While the Tigers unpredictability ultimately proved too much for the Sea Eagles to overcome, the side will be looking for a breakthrough win against Cronulla when they return home on Monday night. Retaining the same side as last week, fullback Brett Stewart may provide a well-needed boost for the struggling side as a late inclusion. Dating back to 2008, Manly have registered just one loss from thirteen clashes with Cronulla, including the past five matches held at Brookvale Oval.

Renown for their defensive proficiency, the Sharks produced one of their finest attacking displays last week against the Dragons. After withstanding a tightly-fought contest for the first half-hour, an onslaught of points just before halftime saw Cronulla run away with their first win of 2016. Headlined by a starring performance by returning halfback Chad Townsend, the Sharks will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season with a win over their archrivals. In the only change from the side that prevailed 30-2 last Sunday, veteran forward Chris Heighington has been named to make his return from suspension on the bench, with Joseph Paulo relegated to 18th man. However don't be surprised to see the former Parramatta forward take the field at the expense of utility Gerard Beale. Having plied his trade at four clubs previously, Michael Ennis will make his 250th NRL appearance on Monday night after debuting in first grade as a 19-year-old back in 2003.

Last meeting: Round 26 2015 - Sharks 12 Sea Eagles 14

Who to watch: After enduring a turbulent season with injury last season, front rower Brenton Lawrence made an impressive return to the NRL with a solid contribution in his first game for over a year. Running for over 100 metres and with close to 30 tackles to his name, the former Titan helped Manly change the momentum of the match after being outplayed early on. Coming up against one of the most experienced sides in the competition, Lawrence will be looking to make a similar contribution on Monday night to help the Sea Eagles register their first win of 2016.

He may not stay at a club for a long time, but wherever James Maloney goes success follows. Having turned struggling Warriors and Roosters sides into Grand Finalists and Premiers, the former NSW representative playmaker looks set for a massive year with the Sharks if his first two performances are any indication. Capable of producing major plays in high-intensity situations, Maloney's combination with former Bulldogs duo Ben Barba and Michael Ennis will continue to develop, enabling long-suffering Cronulla supporters cause for excitement as their side looks to improve upon last year's Semi Final exit. Facing off against rival Daly Cherry-Evans, the seasoned playmaker shapes as a pivotal figure in the outcome of the match.

The favourite: Despite going down in their first two outings, the Sea Eagles are expected to break through for their first win under Trent Barrett and continue their remarkable record against Cronulla.

My tip: There is still an inordinate amount of time between now and September, but Monday night should give Cronulla supporters plenty to look forward to as the press for their first premiership. Sharks by 13.

20. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 1. Tom Trbojevic 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Josh Starling 14. Matt Parcell 10. Nate Myles 20. Tom Symonds 12. Martin Taupau 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 11. Lewis Brown 22. Feleti Mateo 16. Brenton Lawrence 17. Siosaia Vave

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 15. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 18. Joseph Paulo
Interchange: 14. Gerard Beale 10. Sam Tagataese 13. Jayson Bukuya 17. Chris Heighington

Referees: Ben Cummins, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Ashley Klein, Bernard Sutton;