Round 7: Sea Eagles v Storm preview
Melbourne is looking to make it three in a row this Friday night, whilst Manly are scrambling to get back into the winner's circle after facing a significant loss to the Panthers last week.
Manly had a strong start to the season, after opening the season with a bye, where they took victory over both the Eels and Bulldogs. However, some cracks have been exposed within the side as the season continues, where they have leaked 89 points in the last 3 rounds.
Melbourne is edging closer and closer to a Ryan Papenhuyzen return, however even without him the side is getting closer to the side we have gotten to know over the past few years. Last week the Storm claimed victory in what turned out to be an underwhelming clash against the Roosters, ending up a 28-8 win.
After failing a HIA in the game against the Panthers, Reuben Garrick is missing out on this Friday night clash, with Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega set to take his place on the wing which will be only his third NRL career game. Aaron Woods will make his debut in Manly colours, with Karl Lawton ruled out of the game due to a shoulder injury. Kaeo Weekes reverts to the bench with Cooper Johns returning to five-eighth, with Tom Trbojevic confirmed good to go.
The Storm will also be missing a player due to HIA protocol, with Nick Meaney suffering delayed concussion symptoms after last round's win against the Roosters. With Meaney out there is a shuffle in the Melbourne spine, with Cameron Munster moving to fullback and Jonah Pezet re-joining the starting squad, playing at five-eighth.
This game will be a test for Manly, where they need to prove themselves of capable of putting up strong defence against a Melbourne side with magical playmakers Jahrome Hughes, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant.
Last meeting: Round 16 2022 - Sea Eagles 36 Storm 30
Who to watch: Even with the loss last week, Jake Trbojevic was a defensive stand out for Manly where he made 45 tackles, and he also topped the team for most running metres made. I would love to see him continue this strong defence against Melbourne on Friday night.
Topping the Dally M leaderboard is Harry Grant, where he sits on 20 points. Often overlooked in the game due to equally amazing teammates, Grant has averaged 72 running metres and 121 kicking metres so far this season, also kicking a 40-20 last week against the Roosters. He always creates something out of nothing, and I'm looking forward to what he'll bring against the Sea Eagles.
The favourite: Melbourne is favoured to add another 2 points to the ladder away from home.
My tip: Coming off a few bad performances, I can only see Manly scraping a win if they give it their all, but even then, they are coming against a strong Melbourne side where they highly likely won't be enough. Melbourne is on a winning streak, and I don't see them taking a step back anytime soon. Melbourne by 22.
