The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will host the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland on Saturday afternoon footy at 3pm (AEST).
Both teams will be looking to bounce back and win after being defeated in round six.
Manly have only won one in four games at Lottoland and will be looking to turn their luck around for the fans.
Last Time Out
Manly Sea Eagles lost to the Dragons last week after being defeated at home 35-10. The Sea Eagles lost momentum in the first three minutes of the game after Gareth Widdop scored the first try following Manly failing to have a dummy half, less than 10 metres out from their line. Manly lost momentum and struggled in defence as the Dragons managed to pile on points and impress. Widdop and Aitken were very impressive for the Dragons after both players scored two tries for their side.
Melbourne Storm are also coming off a loss after the Cronulla Sharks defeated them at a very wet AAMI Park 11-2. The Storm were only able to put on points after being awarded a penalty with Cameron Smith successfully scoring the penalty goal in the 18th minute. The Storm will be disappointed after failing to capitalise on majority of the opportunities they were given and will hope to come out on top against Manly at Lottoland.
Key Battle
The key battle will be between both captains, halfback Daly Cherry Evans (DCE) and hooker Cameron Smith. Both will have a huge role in boosting their sides energy and momentum throughout the game on Saturday.
It will be essential for DCE to organise his teammates and not allow small errors to come into play like last week. DCE admitted to be in the wrong in their first play of the game in round six, saying he should’ve been in dummy half position before Widdop picked up the ball and scored. He will have the crucial role of setting up tries and need a strong kicking up to upset the Storm.
Cameron Smith also has the huge role of playing his role in the number nine jersey.
Organising his teammates will be essential and ensuring every individual is having a sufficient impact in their position.
Both captains will be hoping for a win after coming off a loss last week and will ensure to lead from the front and play to their best ability.
Prediction
Manly will be desperate to turn around their track record at ‘The Fortress’ this season and will come out very determined to make it their second win at home. The Storm will be disappointed and will look to capitalise on every opportunity.
Manly by 10
Squads
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Addin Fonua-blake 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Jackson Hastings 16. Darcy Lussick 17. Lloyd Perrett 19. Cameron Cullen 20. Brad Parker 21. Shaun Lane 22. Taniela Paseka
Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Young Tonumaipea 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Tim Glasby 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Christian Welch 15. Joe Stimson 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Mark Nicholls 18. Tui Kamikamica 19. Justin Olam 20. Cameron Munster 21. Jesse Bromwich
