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Bitter rivals resume hostilities at Brookvale
Suffering a heartbreaking loss in extra time last Thursday, the Sea Eagles return to Brookvale Oval out of finals contention, but more than determined to derail their rival's minor premiership aspirations. With the two sides enduring one of the fiercest rivalries of the past decade, the Sea Eagles will be hoping for a healthy turnout on Saturday night, as captain Jamie Lyon draws a step closer toward hanging up the boots. In the aftermath of the 20-16 loss to Canterbury, Manly coach Trent Barrett has made a number of changes, headlined by the return of Matt Parcell on the bench. Lewis Brown will once again shift into the centres as a direct replacement for the injured Dylan Walker, while Nate Myles will play his first game since Round 20.
Unable to break the Raiders defensive resolve on Monday night, the Storm round out their away fixtures against a Sea Eagles playing for pride. Having been found out defensively early on in Canberra, coach Craig Bellamy will be hoping for a stronger start on Saturday as the Storm fight to stay ahead of Cronulla and secure the minor premiership. Naming the same side that went down 22-8 on Monday, expect changes with front rower Jordan McLean in line for a return from injury. Given the rivalry between the two sides, Melbourne will be hoping to break through after both sides finished with four wins and a draw in recent years.
Last meeting: Round 8 2015 - Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Who to watch: After enduring a horror run with injuries in recent years, versatile forward Jamie Buhrer has shown glimpses of his best after a successful return midway through the season. Known for his tireless defensive efforts and ability to hit a hole, the 26-year-old will be looking to finish the year on a positive note as the Sea Eagles continue to build under coach Trent Barrett. Having been apart of many memorable clashes against Melbourne, Buhrer will be fully aware of the intensity required to topple the competition leaders, but should the Sea Eagles replicate the effort shown against Canterbury, the Manly faithful may find themselves doing the Eagle Rock at the end of 80 minutes.
Unable to break into Manly's first choice backline after two seasons in between grades, Cheyse Blair has made the most of his time in Melbourne this season. After missing the opening two months of the season through injury, the 24-year-old centre has proven to be an unsung hero for the Storm with his involvement in both attack and defence elevating the side into Minor Premiership contenders. While he may not garner the same praise as his fellow teammates, Blair has shown himself to be yet another success story of Craig Bellamy, going from fringe first grader to starting player.
The favourite: Despite going down and with a short turnaround, Melbourne are favoured to emerge with two points.
My tip: With such an illustrious rivalry between the two sides, look for the Storm to hit back after going down on Monday night. Storm by 10.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Lewis Brown 4. Brayden Wiliame 21. Brad Parker 5. Matthew Wright 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 16. Nate Myles 20. Blake Leary 10. Addin Fonua-blake 11. Martin Taupau 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Matt Parcell 15. Josh Starling 17. Siosaia Vave 23. Frank Winterstein
1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 19. Ryan Morgan 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 15. Tim Glasby 14. Kenneath Bromwich 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 16. Christian Welch 17. Ben Hampton 21. Felise Kaufusi 23. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Referees: Henry Perenara, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson