Matt Attard previews the Sunday afternoon clash between Newcastle and Manly-Warringah. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Date: Sunday May 30, Time: 4:05pm
Knights Team
- Kalyn Ponga
- Starford To’a
- Enari Tuala
- Bradman Best
- Brayden Musgrove
- Kurt Mann
- Phoenix Crossland
- David Klemmer
- Jayden Brailey
- Daniel Saifiti
- Tyson Frizell
- Lachlan Fitzgibbon
- Mitchell Barnett
- Connor Watson
- Jacob Saifiti
- Sauaso Sue
- Brodie Jones
- Tex Hoy
- Josh King
- Simi Sasagi
- Jack Johns
Team Changes
IN: Bradman Best
Jack Johns
Josh King
Kalyn Ponga
OUT: Blake Green
Sea Eagles Team
- Tom Trbojevic
- Jason Saab
- Brad Parker
- Morgan Harper
- Reuben Garrick
- Josh Schuster
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Taniela Paseka
- Lachlan Croker
- Martin Taupau
- Karl Lawton
- Sean Keppie
- Jake Trbojevic
- Curtis Sironen
- Moses Suli
- Zac Saddler
- Toafofoa Sipley
- Ben Trbojevic
- Tevita Funa
- Christian Tuipulotu
- Jorge Taufua
Team Changes
IN: Ben Trbojevic
Curtis Sironen
Jorge Taufua
Tevita Funa
OUT: Haumole Olakau’at
Referee: Ben Cummins
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Knights
Embed from Getty ImagesThe wheels are falling off thanks to a string of injuries, coupled with under-performing players who should be standing up when it counts. They’ve failed to mount pressure and have lost games they really should have won.
Sea Eagles
Embed from Getty ImagesI don’t think I’ve ever seen such a turnaround in form from a team in the modern era. It’s amazing what one player can do to the confidence of everyone around him, but credit to you Tom Trbojevic. Since his return he’s nabbed five Man of the Match performances and has been the architect behind an incredible change of fortunes.
PREVIEW
It’s hard to predict how a game may play out when the new rules and interpretations leave everything up in the air? Who will slip up and be sent to the sin bin first? Will the Knights get a little bit of luck and perhaps play against nine or 10 men for a period of time?
Both sides were inconsistent to start the season, but Manly have taken off as late. Newcastle’s form leaves a lot to be desired and even at home this will be a big challenge for a Knights team missing a lot of personnel and down on confidence. Though they do welcome back Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best.
KEY STAT
Their corresponding meeting last year resulted in a two-point win to the home side. Previous to that it was another two-point win to Newcastle at Lottoland. The Knights haven’t completed above 80 per cent for a month and their handling will have to be on song if they are to stand a chance.
For Manly, Tom Trbojevic has been insane. In six games this season he has 12 try assists, eight tries and has run for an average of 224 metres a game. He’s made 13 errors, but that’s only a testament to his high involvement.
PREDICTION
The Turbo train will keep on rolling towards the top four. Manly are benefiting from the faster game and they’ll be on the good end of set restarts again this week.
Manly by 24.
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