Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 3 clash between the Parramatta Eels and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Venue: CommBank Stadium
Date: Sunday March 24, 4:05pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Morgan Harper, 3. Viliami Penisini, 4. Blaize Talagi, 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Joey Lussick, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. J’maine Hopgood, 14. Luca Moretti, 15. Ryan Matterson, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Kelma Tuilagi, 18. Ofahiki Ogden, 19. Wiremu Greig, 20. Brendan Hands, 21. Makahesi Makatoa, 22. Daejarn Asi
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Reuben Garrick, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Josh Aloiai, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Ben Trbojevic, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Karl Lawton, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Nathan Brown, 18. Jakob Arthur, 19. Tommy Talau, 20. Aaron Woods, 21. Brad Parker, 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Referee: Peter Gough
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
A revitalised and unbeaten Manly side travel to CommBank Stadium to take on the similarly rejuvenated Eels outfit, who were edged out by reigning champions the Penrith Panthers last week.
Bailey Simonsson misses out for the home side after picking up an injury early on in their round 2 clash, prompting Morgan Harper to switch to the wing and open up a spot for Blaize Talagi in the centres. Luca Moretti is promoted to the 17 at the expense of Brendan Hands, and Junior Paulo is listed to start instead of Joe Ofahengaue, while the visitors opt for continuity with an unchanged side.
The Sea Eagles have earned plaudits so far this season by beating two title contenders in the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, but they arguably face their toughest test to date, travelling to play a hungry Eels side. That said, they are well placed to take them to task with Taniela Paseka producing his best football to date: racking up 188 metres last time out against the Chooks, which included 76 post-contact metres.
His ability to set a platform for Brooks and co. will be key and he faces a stern task with Brad Arthur opting to start Junior Paulo in a seemingly obvious attempt to stunt their potential momentum. With both sides purring in attack, the ability of the benches to maintain any go forward gained by either pack will be key and the Eels’ bench likely just edges the Sea Eagles in that area.
The Eels suffered from the shift as a result of Simonsson’s injury last week and still stuck with the reigning premiers, so with a week of preparation in new shape under their belts and home advantage in their favour, they are taken to edge a clash with points a-plenty.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Round 3 Number Crunch.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Eels by 2 points.
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