Sea Eagles v Dragons preview

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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v St George Illawarra Dragons Thursday 7:50pm at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale / Cammeraygal

The Easter long weekend kicks off with a classic clash between two traditional rivals as the Manly Sea Eagles host the St. George-Illawarra Dragons under lights at 4 Pines Park.

While both clubs have shown flashes of brilliance this season, inconsistency remains a common thread, leaving this Thursday night showdown wide open.

Manly will be eager to return to the winner's circle after a narrow 24-18 loss to Cronulla in Perth. Despite playing expansive footy and controlling possession for large parts of the game, the Sea Eagles struggled to capitalise, allowing the Sharks to take full advantage of their chances.

That result followed a 34-point thumping at home to Melbourne, and coach Anthony Seibold will be hoping the return of Jason Saab (ankle) helps spark a turnaround.

Saab slots back onto the wing, with Clayton Faulalo dropping to 18th man in the only change. Still, with 72 points conceded across their last two outings, defensive steel will be high on Manly's agenda.

Meanwhile, the Dragons enter the contest riding high after a dominant 38-16 win over the Titans.

Wingers Christian Tuipulotu and Tyrell Sloan each bagged doubles, while debutant Dylan Egan made a dream start with a late try and a standout performance on the edge.

Coach Shane Flanagan's side lit up WIN Stadium with some electric attacking sequences, but they'll need to overcome history—having won just once in their last seven visits to Brookvale.

Tuipulotu's hamstring injury forces a reshuffle, with Mat Feagai promoted from 18th man and Sione Finau joining the extended bench.

Last meeting: Round 15 2024 - Sea Eagles 30 Dragons 14

Who to Watch: Haumole Olakau'atu loves playing the Red V — crossing for four tries in five games against them. He'll be extra fired up as he notches his 100th NRL appearance.

Dragons' rookie back-rower, Dylan Egan, announced himself in style last week and has retained his spot. He'll be one to watch as he continues his rise in first grade.

Favourite: Manly are currently sitting as the slight favourites going into this one.

My tip: With their place in the top eight on the line and playing in front of a home crowd, expect Manly to dig deep. It won't be easy against a Dragons side brimming with confidence, but the Sea Eagles should have just enough in the tank. Manly by 6.

1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 17. Toafofoa Sipley 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Nathan Brown 16. Ethan Bullemor 18. Clayton Faulalo 21. Caleb Navale 20. Jakob Arthur

1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Mathew Feagai 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Dylan Egan 18. Sione Finau 21. Lyhkan King-Togia

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Chris Sutton, Kieren Irons; Video Referees: Chris Butler;