Warriors v Sea Eagles preview

Embed from Getty Images

Warriors v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Friday 6:00pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

The Warriors will be hoping a trip became home is exactly what they need to rebound after a disappointing Round 1 loss to Canberra cast serious doubts over their finals credentials. 

But as if facing a red-hot Raiders wasn't hard enough, Andrew Webster's team now have to brace for a Sea Eagles side coming off one of their most complete 40-minute performances.

Sure, the second half was a bit underwhelming in comparison but it was frightening to see just how potent Manly could be in attack when everything was clicking, as was the case last Saturday against the Cowboys.

The Sea Eagles raced out to a 24-0 halftime lead, going on to win 42-12, in stark contrast to the 30-8 scoreline the Warriors were on the wrong end of.

Tom Trbojevic was at his devastating best, capitalising on North Queensland's disjointed ruck defence to wreak havoc on his way to 213 run metres, seven tackle busts, four linebreak assists and two try assists.

Haumole Olakau'atu, meanwhile, was a menace in both creating opportunities for himself and his outside men as he rampaged for 122 run metres and eight tackle busts in the win.

On the flipside, the Warriors were largely dominated through the middle and hence it was hard to draw too many conclusions about Chanel Harris-Tavita and Luke Metcalf in the halves.

But the Warriors were still able to get into Canberra's 20-metre zone and once there, Harris-Tavita and Metcalf lacked direction and assertiveness in their decision-making, which is to be expected one round into the season.

Nonetheless, it still won't quell concerns over the leadership void left by Shaun Johnson.

In team news, Webster has stuck with the same 17 despite the heavy loss in Vegas while there is one forced change for the Sea Eagles as Josh Aloiai replaces Siosiua Taukeiaho (knee).

Last meeting: Round 24 2024 - Sea Eagles 24 Warriors 10

Who to watch: For the Warriors, all eyes will be on Luke Metcalf, whose usually dangerous running game was largely ineffective against the Raiders. Without much of a platform to play off and having been forced into more of a playmaking role, Metcalf was looking for the pass first and it meant he pivoted away from one of his biggest strengths. The tricky reality for the Warriors is the fact that if Metcalf reverted back to being more of a run-first halfback, it would require Chanel Harris-Tavita to take on more of the burden when it comes to organising the attack and that isn't really his natural game either.

As for Manly, this may be the type of game where interchange hooker Jake Simpkin can emerge as an unsung hero. Tom Starling had success through the middle of the Warriors defence last week using his speed off the mark and while starting Sea Eagles rake Jazz Tevaga is more of a bruising runner, Simpkin is a nippy player who has a nose for when to take off out of dummy-half. He isn't the same threat Starling is, but if the Warriors' middles are caught out again Simpkin could be in for a solid day.

Favourite: The Sea Eagles are well-supported to make it two from two to open the season.

My tip: History is against the Warriors, who have lost five of their last six games against the Sea Eagles, and it is hard to see that trend changing based on what both teams dished out in week one. Of course, Manly has had a habit in previous seasons of backing up big wins with flat performances and the extra travel could also lead to a slow start from Anthony Seibold's side. But at this stage there is just nothing to suggest that the Sea Eagles don't have the attacking firepower and defensive resolve to win this quite comfortably. Sea Eagles by 10.

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 21. Eddie Ieremia 20. Te Maire Martin

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 18. Clayton Faulalo 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 22. Dean Matterson 21. Jakob Arthur

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Chris Butler;