Chris Rooney previews the Warriors vs Sea Eagles match to be played at Central Coast Stadium. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Date: Friday April 9, Time: 6pm
Warriors Team
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. David Fusitu’a
3. Adam Pompey
4. Marcelo Montoya
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Sean O’Sullivan
8. Leeson Ah Mau
9. Wayde Egan
10. Tohu Harris
11. Eliesa Katoa
12. Jack Murchie
13. Jazz Tevaga
14. Ben Murdoch-Masila
15. Tom Ale
16. Kane Evans
17. Josh Curran
18. Rocco Berry
20. Paul Turner
21. Jackson Frei
22. Taniela Otukolo
Team Changes
IN: Jackson Frei, Josh Curran, Kane Evans, Paul Turner, Rocco Berry, Taniela Otukolo, Tom Ale.
OUT: Addin Fonua-Blake, Bayley Sironen, Bunty Afoa.
Sea Eagles Team
1. Dylan Walker
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. Jack Gosiewski
12. Josh Schuster
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Cade Cust
15. Toafofoa Sipley
16. Sean Keppie
17. Josh Aloiai
18. Tevita Funa
19. Zac Saddler
20. Christian Tuipulotu
21. Ben Trbojevic
Team Changes
IN: Ben Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Morgan Harper, Tevita Funa, Toafofoa Sipley, Zac Saddler.
OUT: Morgan Boyle, Moses Suli.
Referee: Chris Butler
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Warriors
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Warriors were very underwhelming against the Roosters last Sunday and will no doubt be looking to bounce back in a big way against Manly. They had their chances throughout the game, but were ultimately outclassed by a Roosters team with more than enough key players out. The Warriors return “home” to Gosford this week with a couple of changes to the team: the biggest loss being Addin Fonua-Blake (who will be on the sidelines for eight weeks). Tohu Harris will shift from the edge to the middle, along with Leeson Ah Mau starting in the front row for the first time this season. Kane Evans will make his Warriors debut and will be a handy middle forward to have coming off the bench.
Sea Eagles
Embed from Getty ImagesCan everyone in the Manly squad start playing with heart and determination like Jake Trbojevic? This man puts his body on the line every game and is the only one who seems to be seriously concerned with the status of the team. Defence is all about attitude, and right now, Manly have a major attitude problem. The Panthers last week just destroyed Manly with absolute ease and it may be the continuing trend for Manly this season. The lack of depth in both the backline and forwards is very concerning for the Sea Eagles and will more than likely remain the same with the lack of money they have available in the cap. Des Hasler must make some serious changes to the squad and it starts with the halves. Josh Schuster needs his hands on the ball more and needs a permanent switch to five-eighth ASAP.
PREVIEW
Both teams are coming off a losing week and Manly’s woes continue to grow deeper. The Warriors’ middles are far superior to what Manly will have running out this week and they will dominate in the middle of field. Still no Tom Trbojevic, so the match up between he and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will have to wait until May, when the two teams face each other again. Tuivasa-Sheck should have a field day against Manly, with their main point of focus to attack is to target Manly’s edges. Their edges have been woeful to start the season and the Warriors will score plenty on the right edge.
KEY STAT
Head-to-head: both sides have faced each other 34 times, with Manly winning 22 times. The previous two meetings have seen the Warriors winning both, one blowout and one very close.
PREDICTION
Is anyone picking Manly this week? Does anybody really see this as a dangerous game for the Warriors? I certainly don’t, as Manly have lost their identity in recent seasons and will continue to struggle. The Warriors return to Gosford and will be looking to put another nail into the coffin of the Sea Eagles.
Warriors by 13+.
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