Josh Mercer previews the Round Nine clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and the New Zealand Warriors. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Lottoland, Date: 9/5, Time: 2:00 pm
Manly Sea Eagles
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. Sean Keppie
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Josh Schuster
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Cade Cust
15. Moses Suli
16. Zac Saddler
17. Toafofoa Sipley
18. Ben Trbojevic
19. Tevita Funa
20. Christian Tuipulotu
21. Jorge Taufua
Team Changes
IN: Ben Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Jorge Taufua, Moses Suli, Zac Saddler.
OUT: Josh Aloiai, Martin Taupau.
New Zealand Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Edward Kosi
3. Adam Pompey
4. Rocco Berry
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Reece Walsh
7. Kodi Nikorima
8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
9. Wayde Egan
10. Kane Evans
11. Josh Curran
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Tohu Harris
14. Jazz Tevaga
15. Leeson Ah Mau
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Bayley Sironen
18. Jack Murchie
20. Chanel Harris-Tavita
21. Tom Ale
22. Euan Aitken
Team Changes
IN: Chanel Harris-Tavita, Eliesa Katoa, Euan Aitken, Jack Murchie, Tom Ale
OUT: Ben Murdoch-Masila, Sean O’Sullivan.
Referee: Peter Gough
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Manly Sea Eagles
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Sea Eagles had the unenviable task of trying to hand a red hot Panthers their first loss: unfortunately is wasn’t to be. They had some good touches as Tommy Trbojevic was able to get their first try from an intercept; and a deft grubber by Daly Cherry-Evans that saw him regather his own kick and score after it hit the goal post. Jason Saab gave them hope as he scored a long range try to get Manly within six points, however the Panthers were able to score the winner with three minutes remaining.
New Zealand Warriors
Embed from Getty ImagesEverything went right for the Warriors in the first half of their game against the Cowboys last weekend. Through the speed and magic of Kodi Nikorima and Reece Walsh, they were able to jump out to an 18-0 lead before the Cowboys were able to get on the scoreboard. They would score one other try before half-time to lead 24-6. The second half was all the Cowboys as they scored 16 points to trail 20-24 but the Warriors were able to hold on.
PREVIEW
These two teams met back in Round Five with the Sea Eagles securing a one point victory. At the time, the Sea Eagles were without Tom Trbojevic who has been instrumental in some of their big wins since returning from injury. After watching last week’s matches, both teams have speed to burn. Trbojevic and Saab left Panthers in their dust while Nikorima, Tuivasa-Sheck and Walsh burnt the Cowboys in the first half last weekend.
The forward battle will be an interesting one as the Sea Eagles will be missing both Josh Aloiai and Marty Taupau, though Taniela Paseka and Sean Keppie are more than capable of getting the job done. Ben Murdoch-Masila is missing from the Warriors pack, but they still have plenty of experience in Kane Evans and Tohu Harris in the forwards. The forward battle will key so that the speedsters on both sides can take advantage and do what they do best, score tries.
KEY STAT
The Warriors have a pretty good winning percentage at Lottoland, better known as Brookvale, having won 7 out of 13 games (54%).
PREDICTION
Manly by 10.
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