Sea Eagles v Broncos preview

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Sea Eagles look for consistency as Broncos look to bounce back.

In the 2nd game of this juicy double header on Saturday we have two sides rich with history who have had quite contrasting seasons. Brisbane will be very eager to put their last start loss to the Sharks two weeks ago behind them and attempt to register their 8th win of the season. Every game is vital for them as the origin period looms where Brisbane are more than likely to be decimated with player selections. They have worked their way into a very good position at the moment which has been built on the back of some very stingy defence that has only conceded a miserly 111 points in 9 games (30 of which came in their last round loss to the Sharks). Manly could have their work cut out for them trying to penetrate their great wall of defence!

Manly have had an indifferent season so far under the tutorship of 1st year coach Trent Barrett. They currently sit 10th on the ladder with 4 wins and 5 defeats. Manly have been very competitive in almost all of their games but have lacked that cutting edge and will to win that was a staple of Manly sides during the Des Hasler era. 
Manly's issues have been in the first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes of their matches. Whether consciously or not, the Sea Eagles have been turning off and gifting other sides points through defensive errors and lack of concentration. Through the opening 9 rounds of the season they have conceded 12 tries in the first 20 as well as conceding 14 tries in the last 20 minutes. Fatigue also plays a factor and will be intriguing to see if the Sea Eagles can weather the storm in both these 20 minute periods come Saturday night. All over the park they have quality but if the Sea Eagles want to be contenders this year they need to stand up and pull out a positive result in Saturday night's blockbuster match. 

Last meeting: Round 21 2015 - Sea Eagles 44 Broncos 14

Manly ran out convincing winners in last year's meeting winning by 30 points. Brisbane have had a hard time dealing with the Sea Eagles of late having lost 6 out of the last 8 matches. However at Suncorp Stadium Manly have lost their last 3 matches against the Broncos by an aggregate score of 108-30. The Sea Eagles do however own the all time head to head 21-1-19 (21 wins, 1 draw and 19 defeats dating back to their first meeting in 1988).

Who to watch: The Broncos defence has been receiving plaudits all over the NRL this season but their attack has been equally as impressive. They have the 2nd best ranked attack behind the North Queensland Cowboys with 246 points scored. Look at a stellar effort by Australian representative Fullback Darius Boyd for Brisbane to get back in the winners circle. Boyd has been immense this season and has been the link to the outside backs. One player that has benefited a lot from his ball playing ability is barnstorming winger Corey Oates who he has developed a good combination with. Boyd's stats this year tell the story of how well he is playing: 1161 metres at an average of 129 metres per game, 18 tackle busts with an average of 2 per game, 2 tries, 3 line breaks, 4 try assists and 4 line break assists. Expect to see him with another active involvement in this important clash on Saturday and look for his last pass to send his wingers away for tries.

For Manly they need to focus on defence and attempting to stop this Broncos juggernaut. One of their unsung heroes and best defenders this season has been former Rooster Tom Symonds. Symonds has a great ability to read the play and react quickly. Add to this his good size for a back rower and a very good tackling technique and you have a a very handy player on your books. After a couple of season of bouncing between reserve grade and 1st grade, he seems to have finally found his niche in this Manly outfit. He is also a valuable player to have in any squad as can fill a variety of positions (something which is invaluable in the modern game). Since returning to the first grade set up Symonds is averaging 29 tackles and 98 metres a game, as well as averaging 13 hits up per match. Solid stats from a real worker in the Sea Eagles pack. Keep an eye on his solid defence outwide as the Broncos send their big men his way.

The favourite: Brisbane very warm favourites in this clash at Suncorp.

My tip: It's very hard to see Brisbane losing two in a row, especially up at Suncorp Stadium where they'll have the home support. Manly have shown in periods this season that they can match it with the big boys, but can they put it together for 80 minutes again the Broncos? I don't think so and believe that'll be the difference in this one. Close for the first 60 minutes before Brisbane show their class. Brisbane by 14.

20. Tom Trbojevic 2. Matthew Wright 3. Jamie Lyon 11. Lewis Brown 5. Brayden Wiliame 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 17. Siosaia Vave 9. Matt Parcell 10. Nate Myles 14. Blake Leary 12. Martin Taupau 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 8. Darcy Lussick 15. Addin Fonua-blake 16. Brenton Lawrence 18. Tom Symonds

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Travis Waddell 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Herman Essese 15. Jai Arrow 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson