Just cast your mind back to this corresponding game last season...I don't think that I need to go into much more detail as we can all remember the brawl that took place (if you can't or want to check it out again click here). In the week of SOO 2, many people have overlooked the fact that this game is the first time that the two teams have met since. Obviously we won't see a complete repeat of what occurred but there is still a lot of animosity between the two teams. This game should be a great clash regardless. Both teams have been playing well this season and as a result find themselves firmly cemented within the Top 8 for now. It is interesting to watch however, that with the removal of Slater from their lineup for around 4-6 weeks due to injury, will they be able to play to the level that they have reached this season? One would suggest not, but it would take a brave man to write off Craig Bellamy and his Storm players. On the other hand you have the Sea Eagles, a team that I have suggested may have an attitude problem considering the teams which they have lost to this year have all been below them on the table. In saying that, they will have no problem switching on for this game. It is a shame that this game is not being played on a free-to-air channel, but you have Channel 9 to blame for that one. No doubt people would have wanted to watch this match more than any other this weekend. If you are lucky enough to have pay TV then enjoy what should be a great game. If not, try to get to a pub or club that does have it or switch on the radio to Triple M to hear it. This game should be a great!
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Eagles were lucky enough to have a week off last week and come into this game with a few stars returning from SOO duty. They all should play but will obviously be given right up until kick off to prove their fitness. They have named an unchanged lineup (including Vic Mauro as 18th man) from the team that beat the Dragons in their last start. That game was not the most entertaining game of the season but Manly did what they had to do to get the win. At times this season, Manly have looked unstoppable and at others they have look diobolical. They will not want to lose this game at home considering how much their pride would take a whack if they did. Coach Geoff Toovey hasn't bought into the idea of a repeat of last year but they have plenty of players who can start a brawl so expect them to take it to the Storm team early and be very physical.
Melbourne Storm
Questions are beginning to raised about how the Storm can keep going now minus Billy Slater. He is a great player, one of the best that I have ever seen, and will be sorely missed. But as I mentioned earlier, Coach Bellamy will have his team ready for this game. One player that will be out to prove his worth in this game after two lacklustre performances in SOO, Cooper Cronk. It is hard to listen to people bag this bloke who is clearly just not playing well enough at the moment at representative level, but his club level has been OK. With a player of his class, I would expect him return to his high level of playing in this game. In terms of the team that will take the field, after SOO 1, Cameron Smith started the following club game on the bench but I don't think that it will be the case in this game. Team wise, Matt Duffie will move to fullback for Slater and they have said TBA for their winger. Maurice Blair would be favoured to come into the team as he was named on an extended bench. For what it is worth, Duffie was great at fullback against the Tigers and although he isn't Slater, he is surely up to the task.
Recent History
Overall = Manly 10 - Storm 11
Last 5 games = Manly 3 - Storm 2
At Brookvale Oval = Manly 7 - Storm 3
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Manly $1.55 Storm $2.50
Centrebet = Manly $1.47 Storm $2.47
Sportsbet = Manly $1.60 Storm $2.40
Verdict
Considering where Melbourne are on the table, it is strange to see them outsiders in this game. Obviously they are missing 3 key players, Slater, Chambers and Proctor, but they still are a quality team. But then you have to look at the Storms record at Brookvale and perhaps that gives you an insight into why they are outsiders. Manly have to get up for this game and show a different attitude than they have displayed against weaker opponents. But one is right to believe that because of the enormity of the clash, they will be firing on all cylinders. It looks like a tough game to choose and the more I think of it, the more the Storm seem as though they can win this match. But common sense tells me to take the Eagles. They are at home and have a good pack of forwards and their young halves have to stand up in this one.
Suggested Bet
Manly 1-12 @ $2.75
Storm Victory? = Melbourne +10.5 @ $1.42 - It should be a close game and it you are worried that the Storm might just get done, take a safe bet and have them with a large start. Need greater piece of mind and think that Manly will win by 1-12? They are also +12.5 @ $1.33.
NSW Origin Stars 1st try = B.Stewart @ $9 G.Stewart @ $26 & Watmough @ $21 - All played well on Wednesday night and they will look to take their form into this game. Brett Stewart took the first try on Wednesday too.
Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips
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