Round 10: Sea Eagles v Broncos preview
We are officially a third of the way through the home-and-away season, and it's now time for the annual Manly Sea Eagles clash with the Brisbane Broncos for a home game at Suncorp Stadium. A match that began as a double-header but is now a round of ‘magic' at Brisbane.
Manly suffered a 26-10 loss at home at the hand of the Titans last week, where they only scored one try compared to Gold Coast with five. Having only lost two other games this season the Sea Eagles have had quite a start to the season and will be looking to claim another win this Friday.
Brisbane had quite an impressive start to the season, boasting five wins in a row. However, they have lost two games, most recently where they beaten by the Rabbitohs in a 32-6 game, exposing some weak spots in the side. Much like Manly they will be looking to rebound after the loss and keep the top of the ladder to themselves.
The Sea Eagles have a drastically changed side from the team who took a loss last week. Tom Trbojevic returns to the side after suffering a minor adductor injury, although his brother Jake Trbojevic will be missing out on the clash due to a calf injury with Sean Keppie replacing him. Reuben Garrick returns to his place on the wing as both Manly centres return after both suffering knee injuries. Ben Trbojevic and Toafofoa Sipley join Aaron Woods on the bench after facing injury and suspension respectively.
Brisbane have minimal changes to their side besides the return of Ezra Mam to five-eighth and Payne Haas to their forward pack, after they both missed the loss against South Sydney due to suspension. Due their respective returns it means that Jock Madden is dropped, and Keenan Palasia starts on the bench.
Last meeting: Round 10 2022 - Sea Eagles 0 Broncos 38
Who to watch: Reuben Garrick has scored three tries so far in the 2023 season and has a good try scoring record at Suncorp, where he has scored five tries in his last five games at the ground. I would love to see him score a try on Friday and add to his 2023 total points count with both conversions and four-pointers.
Payne Haas has been lurking around the top of the Dally M leaderboard over the course of the season, and it was proven in the Broncos' loss to the Rabbitohs that Haas is such an asset to their side. I'm looking forward to his return to the team after his one-week suspension and seeing his injection into the game again, where he is leading in the NRL in post-contact metres with a total of 593.
The favourite: Broncos are significantly favoured to add another win to their 2023 count.
My tip: Although boasting several wins, I believe Manly won't have the strength in both attack and defence to win, and with the Broncos coming off an embarrassing loss they will be looking for victory again. Broncos by 16.
