Josh Mercer previews previews the clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Wests Tigers. This is what we have to look forward to.
TEAM NEWS
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Date: Saturday, July 24, Time: 5:30 pm
Sea Eagles Team
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Brad Parker
4. Morgan Harper
5. Reuben Garrick
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Martin Taupau
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Josh Shuster
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Dylan Walker
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Sean Keppie
17. Toafofoa Sipley
18. Moses Suli
19. Cade Cust
20. Jack Gosiewski
21. Kurt de Luis
Team Changes
IN: Daly Cherry-Evans, Jack Gosiewski, Jake Trbojevic, Josh Aloiai, Tom Trbojevic.
OUT: Karl Lawton, Tevita Funa.
Tigers Team
1. Daine Laurie
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Junior Pauga
4. Tommy Talau
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Jacob Liddle
10. James Tamou
11. Luke Garner
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Thomas Mikaele
14. Joe Ofahengaue
15. Alex Twal
16. Tukimihia Simpkins
17. Moses Mbye
18. Michael Chee Kam
19. Jake Simpkin
20. Alex Seyfarth
21. Shawn Blore
Team Changes
IN: Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Shawn Blore.
OUT:
Referee: Ashley Klein
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Manly Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles put in a great performance to beat the the Dragons 32-18. They did it without Origin stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic. The Dragons drew first blood with a try to Tyrell Sloan before the Manly took the lead with tries to Morgan Harper and Humble Olakau’atu. Olakau’atu, along with Josh Schuster proved to be a handful for the Dragons defence. A try to Josh McGuire and a penalty goal to Jack Bird saw the Dragons take a two point lead into halftime. It was all down after halftime for the Dragons however as the the Sea Eagles scored tries to Kieran Foran, Cade Cust and Brad Parker to get the win.
Wests Tigers
The Tigers showed what they are capable of last weekend, defeating Brisbane 42-24. For the majority of the game both teams went try for try, with some being very entertaining. Adam Doueihi had a great game at five-eighth for the Tigers, highlighted with an excellent set-up for David Nofoaluma to score. Just when the Broncos looked like going to hit the lead again after being down 26-24 through Jamayne Isaako, the try was disallowed due to an obstruction. From there, the Tigers scored three tries to win the game.
PREVIEW
The Sea Eagles did well without their Origin stars last weekend. Having them all come back definitely means that they should win this game. Josh Schuster and Haumole Olakau’atu stood out for the Sea Eagles last weekend, adding Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic, as well as Jake Trbojevic who is returning from injury and the Sea Eagles are a team who can beat almost everyone on their day.
The Tigers did very well to get the win against the Broncos last weekend. Adam Doueihi was one of the stars and it looks like he may be the sides long term five-eighth. If he can fire, along with Luciano Leilua and David Nofoaluma then they can put on a good show. One thing that they can’t do is attempt to go try for try with the Sea Eagles. Unlike the Broncos, once the Sea Eagles hit the lead they Tigers will have no hope of chasing it down.
KEY STAT
The Tigers have the better record at Suncorp Stadium, they have won 50% of matches while the Sea Eagles have won 47%.
PREDICTION
Sea Eagles by 18.
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