Panthers v Broncos preview
6 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Former Grand Final combatants square off in the West.
Producing their most emphatic performance of 2016 against the Dragons, Manly will be looking to account for the unpredictable Warriors as they chase an unlikely finals berth. Returning to Perth for the first time since 2012, the Sea Eagles will be looking to extend their winning run over the New Zealander's even further, having managed ten wins from the past eleven encounters. With Brett Stewart set to have surgery on a troublesome knee, Tom Trbojevic retains the fullback position, while further changes to the Manly backline include Matthew Wright and Lewis Brown in the centres and Brad Parker making his NRL debut on the wing.
Coming off the bye, the Warriors will be looking to maintain their standing inside the top eight and turn around their poor finishes in recent seasons. In the four seasons since making their last Grand Final against the Sea Eagles, the Warriors have been in contention for the play-offs heading into the final third of the season, only to succumb to a horror finish which has seen them win just 10 of 35 matches after Origin 3. Coach Andrew McFadden has been able to recall seasoned duo Manu Vatuvei and Ryan Hoffman from injury, which has seen Tuimoala Lolohea shift to the bench in place of Nathaniel Roache.
Last meeting: Round 6 2016 - Warriors 18 Sea Eagles 34
Who to watch: With just eight games remaining until hanging up the boots, Sea Eagles veteran Jamie Lyon will be looking finish off his time in the NRL on a high note. After beginning his first grade career with the Eels at the start of the millennium, the 34-year-old captain has been among the most dominant players in the competition and will be looking to take Manly to an unlikely finals appearance. Having shifted to the halves after mixed results with Dylan Walker earlier in the season, Lyon will be looking to utilise his vast array of skills to down the Warriors.
Having made his NRL debut at the beginning of last season, Solomone Kata has been a constant force for the Warriors amidst their fluctuating form. Proven to be a try-scoring specialist, the 22-year-old centre has made the most of his opportunities in the top grade and will be looking to repay the faith with a strong showing on Saturday night. Set to face off against utility Lewis Brown, Kata will be out to upstage his opponent with speed and power, which if successful could prove decisive to the end result.
The favourite: Sitting inside the top eight with four wins from their past five matches, the Warriors are expected to continue their winning ways in the west.
My tip: After a breakthrough performance against the Dragons a fortnight ago, look for the Sea Eagles to prevail in the West. Sea Eagles by 10.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Lewis Brown 4. Matthew Wright 5. Brad Parker 6. Jamie Lyon 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Nathan Green 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Blake Leary 15. Josh Starling 16. Addin Fonua-blake 17. Siosaia Vave
1. David Fusitua 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 17. Charlie Gubb 9. Issac Luke 18. James Gavet 16. Bunty Afoa 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Tuimoala Lolohea 15. Sam Lisone 10. Ben Matulino 21. Jazz Tevaga
Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Chris Butler, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson