Friday night footy delivers us a rare double-header from Suncorp Stadium. Both games will take place at the same venue and there is sure to be a bumper crowd there for two good games, with two out of the three Queensland teams featuring in both games. It is sure to be a great night up in Brisbane and I would urge any people in and around the area to travel to the game and see and great night of tough rugby league. But what this game also does is throw caution into the wind. The NSW and QLD State of Origin teams are picked Sunday night and Monday respectively, and players will definitely pushing their claims to be included in the pinnacle game for Australian Rugby League players. But if you believe all the hype and discussion at the regular media outlets, the teams are already picked and there will be no changes except for injury. Regardless of state selections, it is sure to be another cracking round of football.
Brisbane Broncos - WLWWWWWWL (Streak - 1 loss)
The Broncos go into this match without their halfback Peter Wallace for the first time this season. He was injured in last weeks road trip to the Warriors and that has all but ended his chances of a recall to NSW for Origin. Nonetheless the Broncos continue on by moving young bench player Ben Hunt into the starting side. Whether or not he succeeds remains to be seen, but the Broncos team is one that has a lot of young players willing to try things out on the field and they gel fantastically well. Credit has to go to coach Anthony Griffen on the job he has done with the team over the past year and a half, with the Broncos playing like a team with a weath of experience. That experience does take a hit with the removal of Wallace from number 7 and whether or not that has an effect on how well the team is directed around the park remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, they have one of the best forward packs in the competition and a fantastic bench to call upon to replace tired players during the match, so expect that to work to their advantage. Yet, the young Broncos will also have to recover from a tough road trip to NZ the previous week; and fatigue could play a difference in this match.
Odds
TAB Sportsbet - Brisbane $2.05 Manly $1.80
Centrebet - Brisbane $2.05 Manly $1.81
Sportsbet - Brisbane $2.05 Manly $1.80
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - WWLLLWLWW (Steak - 2 wins)
While Brisbane have lost Wallace at 7, the Sea Eagles will be again without their 5/8 Kieran Foran who is yet to overcome a hamstring injury. His brother Liam will again fill the role at 6, like he has done for the last few weeks. He has been doing an adequate job in place of his brother, but he certainly has a long way to go if he wants to reach the heights of his brother. There is a slight chance that he might be a late inclusion to the roster, so keep an eye out for that. Like the Broncos, Manly have a very strong forward pack, who like to assert dominance on the opposition from the opening whistle (so expect a fiery match). The Eagles also have a fantastic bench to call upon during the match and this will ensure that their intensity will not drop off. They will carry a 6 man bench during their trip north, with two likely to drop off just before kick off. A lot of people are tipping the Sea Eagle to finish in the top 4 this year and I believe that it is well within their reach, but this will be a good measure of where they are at. They have been impressive in a few matches this season, grounding out a tough 12-10 win against the Bulldogs two weeks ago and a 30-nil hammering of the Panthers in round 6. But they have also been woeful, losing to arguably to two worst teams in the competition, Parramatta and Gold Coast.
While Brisbane have lost Wallace at 7, the Sea Eagles will be again without their 5/8 Kieran Foran who is yet to overcome a hamstring injury. His brother Liam will again fill the role at 6, like he has done for the last few weeks. He has been doing an adequate job in place of his brother, but he certainly has a long way to go if he wants to reach the heights of his brother. There is a slight chance that he might be a late inclusion to the roster, so keep an eye out for that. Like the Broncos, Manly have a very strong forward pack, who like to assert dominance on the opposition from the opening whistle (so expect a fiery match). The Eagles also have a fantastic bench to call upon during the match and this will ensure that their intensity will not drop off. They will carry a 6 man bench during their trip north, with two likely to drop off just before kick off. A lot of people are tipping the Sea Eagle to finish in the top 4 this year and I believe that it is well within their reach, but this will be a good measure of where they are at. They have been impressive in a few matches this season, grounding out a tough 12-10 win against the Bulldogs two weeks ago and a 30-nil hammering of the Panthers in round 6. But they have also been woeful, losing to arguably to two worst teams in the competition, Parramatta and Gold Coast.
Recent History
Last 5 games: Manly 3 - Brisbane 2
At Suncorp Stadium: Played 16 Brisbane 8 - Manly 6
At Suncorp Stadium: Played 16 Brisbane 8 - Manly 6
Odds
TAB Sportsbet - Brisbane $2.05 Manly $1.80
Centrebet - Brisbane $2.05 Manly $1.81
Sportsbet - Brisbane $2.05 Manly $1.80
Verdict
If there was a was a market on whether or not there would be a fight in this match, then I would be very keen to take that. Unfortunately, there isn't. But be sure, this is going to be one hell of a contest. The game is going to be affected by whether or not Kieran Foran plays. There are whispers around that he may, but I am not sure whether or not that he travelled to Brisbane with the rest of the team. If he plays, Manly will be stronger around the field and have greater direction of their play. That isn't doubting the ability of Cherry-Evans alone, neither his brother Liam Foran. But what he will bring to the team will definitely be an added spark. If Foran doesn't play, I will still be inclined to still lean towards Manly for the simple fact that Ben Hunt has a lot to prove at number 7, and the true value of Peter Wallace will be felt in this match (also the first without either Wallace or Lockyer in a long time!). While they have some very strong forwards, unless you have a dominant 7 or a 6 & 7 that are familiar with one another, getting around the park will prove difficult.
Suggested Bet
Manly -1.5 @ $1.90
OR
Manly 1-12 @ $3.00
Manly -1.5 @ $1.90
OR
Manly 1-12 @ $3.00
Good luck!
Scooby
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