Sea Eagles v Dragons preview - 2017 Round 6

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Dud timeslot for a surprising top-drawer contest.

Who would've picked this to be near match of the round coming into Round 6? Obviously there'll be plenty of focus on Sunday's grand final re-match, but in terms of form these two sides have truly surprised - both playing quality football in attack and shoring up their defences.

Incredibly, after five rounds the Dragons are the best attacking side after struggling to post points in any meaningful fashion last season. 128 points with a positive differential of 56 points has them sitting pretty in second place, breathing down the neck of the unbeaten Storm.

On the beaches - Manly were widely panned as recently as Round 2, and have now won three on the bounce since. A crushing win in Townsville was backed up with a powerful showing against Canterbury in Round 4 before they ended the Roosters' unbeaten start to 2017 last weekend. They've also been scoring points at a healthy rate with 114 from the five games and a differential of 36 - third best behind the Storm and Dragons.

Last meeting: Round 17 2016 - Sea Eagles 36 Dragons 6

Manly's (ultimately unsuccesful) late tilt at playing finals footy last season was helped greatly by a sound win over the Dragons during the twilight of last year's Origin period, recording a 30-point win. Historically this contest has been dominated by the Red V, winning 15 of 24 since the Dragons merged with Illawarra in 1999. Manly hold a slight advantage from 12 matches at Brookvale, winning 7 to the Dragons' 5.

Who to watch: Dylan Walker was stunning for Manly last week scoring the Northern Beaches boys' match-winner in a tight contest against the Roosters. Already with three 'meat pies' this season, Walker's form in the centres has been a key cog in Manly's form turnaround after struggling in the first two rounds.

Signing of the year - Paul Vaughan? The bustling prop has been a fantastic addition to the Dragons' pack which was already fairly imposing with Frizell, Thompson, de Belin and Packer. Tireless defence has been a feature of his time on the park, but he's actually made the most line-breaks for the Dragons alongside Thompson. Not to mention - a very valuable Fantasy player too.

The favourite: After recovering their home ground advantage a fortnight ago against Canterbury, the Sea Eagles are favoured to come up with a win.

My tip: Venue doesn't seem to trouble the Dragons - and there are still enough holes in Manly's game to suggest the Red V will prevail here. Dragons by 6.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Nate Myles 16. Darcy Lussick 17. Addin Fonua-blake

1. Jason Nightingale 2. Nene Macdonald 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Kurt Mann 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Josh McCrone 8. Russell Packer 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tariq Sims 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. Hame Sele 17. Taane Milne

Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Bryan Norrie;