Round 27: Sea Eagles v Sharks preview
Crucial Clash for Top-Eight Positions at 4 Pines Park
As the regular season draws to an end, the stakes couldn't be higher when the Manly Sea Eagles host the Cronulla Sharks at 4 Pines Park this Sunday afternoon. Both teams are vying for crucial positions within the top eight, and a win here could significantly shape their finals destiny.
The Manly Sea Eagles sent a clear message with their commanding 34-22 victory over the Bulldogs last week. Despite an early setback, conceding a try just minutes into the game, Manly quickly turned the tide with a series of brilliant plays. A trick play off a scrum saw Olakau'atu link with Reuben Garrick, setting up Jason Saab for a try, which was just the beginning. Luke Brooks and Tom Trbojevic orchestrated a series of attacking raids that left the Bulldogs reeling, with Lehi Hopoate crossing for two tries. While the Sea Eagles' performance was impressive, it came at a cost, with star fullback Tom Trbojevic sustaining a shoulder injury. Props Taniela Paseka and Matt Lodge also made significant contributions, with Paseka running for 116 meters and Lodge adding another 137 in his first game since Round 11.
In contrast, the Cronulla Sharks experienced heartbreak last round, falling 30-28 to the Warriors after a second-half surge from the visitors. The Sharks appeared in control with a 22-4 lead at halftime, thanks to standout performances from Teig Wilton, Samuel Stonestreet, and Nicho Hynes. However, the Warriors' Shaun Johnson orchestrated a remarkable comeback, and despite a late try from Stonestreet, the Sharks couldn't hold on. This loss could prove costly as it jeopardises their chances of securing a top-two finish and a home final.
For the Sea Eagles, a win over the Sharks will secure them a home berth in the first week of the finals. Riding high after last week's triumph, they'll need to adapt quickly to the absence of key players like Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab. Tolu Koula will step in at fullback, while Clayton Faulalo comes onto the wing. With the Sea Eagles winning eight of their nine games at 4 Pines Park this season, they'll be confident, though their record without Trbojevic is less reassuring, having won just two of five matches without their star fullback in 2024.
For the Sharks, this match is about more than just securing a win; it's about positioning themselves for a strong finals run. A victory could see them finish as high as second if the scores in the Penrith and Roosters matches go their way. The Sharks will welcome back key players Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jesse Ramien, with Nicho Hynes returning to his regular halfback role after injury. Siosifa Talakai, who has missed the last two games due to a calf injury, is listed among the reserves. Having won their last two games at 4 Pines Park, Cronulla will be hoping to make it three in a row against a depleted Manly side.
As we head into the final round, both teams know what's at stake. For Manly, securing a home final could be the difference between a strong start or a swift exit from finals footy. For Cronulla, a win this weekend could elevate them into a top-four position, setting them up for a potentially deep finals run. Sunday's clash at 4 Pines Stadium promises to be thrilling, with both teams leaving it all on the field in pursuit of victory.
Last meeting: Round 21 2023 - Sharks 26 Sea Eagles 30
Who to watch: Cronulla Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey will take the field in his 100th consecutive game this weekend. The 25-year-old has played every game since the start of the 2021 season and only missed one game in 2020.
Young Manly Sea Eagles winger Lehi Hopoate has already scored nine tries in just 11 appearances since he debuted against the Melbourne Storm in Round 12 this year. Although some may have expected him to replace Tom Trbojevic at the back, he has been kept on the wing and will no doubt be looking to find the try line at least once this weekend.
FAVOURITE: The Manly Sea Eagles are the slight favourites at this point, simply due to their home-ground advantage. 4 Pines has been sold out for this match for well over a week already.
MY TIP: With so much on the line for both sides and the match being played in front of a sold-out crowd, I'd probably have to put my money on Manly for this one - but in saying that, I don't think they will win by much if they do! Manly by 4.
