Going by the seasons that each team has had, you would find it hard to believe that the Eels were able to beat the Eagles in their last start at Parramatta Stadium. But that win was one of very few victories this season and it had a lot of people questioning the attitude of the Manly players. The Eels season is all but over and they should only be focused on keeping their coach in a job, because each win brings them further away from losing him. I won't dive into that issue because it is an issue for another day. But Parramatta fans have every reason to question the teams performance on the field this season. At the moment, they are stuck in a battle for the wooden spoon and a loss here could cement them as favorites to win it. That is the last thing that the Eels will want especially with a few club legends retiring. One thing is for sure is that Sunday afternoon footy at Brookvale Oval in the sun will be a fantastic spectacle. There will be a great crowd on hand so hopefully the football lives up to the expectations of the crowd.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
This is the first time since round 1 that the Eagles have named their full strength team. But I would be extremely surprised if that was the lineup that the Eagles went with after a bruising SOO match. Glenn Stewart will probably miss out as will Tony Williams both due to injury. But then again the best thing to do is pay attention to my twitter feed for breaking information (thats on both teams!). They have named an extended bench of 7 so they certainly have the replacements to cover missing players. But it is the quality of player that they will miss which will be the hard thing for the Sea Eagles to replace. It is interesting to note that if Tony Williams does play, it will only be his 5th start for Manly this season. If they lose this game and across town at 2pm the Rabbitohs win, they will be leaped and find themselves in the wrong part of the Top 8.
Parramatta Eels
Jarryd Hayne was named at fullback but he will obviously miss out in this clash. Willie Tonga made a long awaited return from injury last week but was dropped back to an extended bench so he will probably come into the centres and Luke Burt will drop back to fullback and Ryan Morgan probably shift from the centres to the wing. They have almost the same team that lost to the Knights last start. It is surprising that the Eels lack so much on the field because they have a very capable pack of forwards. Even a very good bench to call upon. Attitude is the key here for the Eels and something has to change very soon. I said last week with the absence of Hayne, Chris Sandow can perhaps play his football without Hayne dominating the ruck and demanding the ball when Sandow should get it.
Recent History
Overall = Sea Eagles 78 - Drawn 4 - Eels 45
Last 5 games = Sea Eagles 2 - Eels 3
At Brookvale Oval = Sea Eagles 39 - Drawn 1 - Eels 17
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Sea Eagles $1.11 Eels $7.00
Centrebet = Sea Eagles $1.13 Eels $6.25
Sportsbet = Sea Eagles $1.14 Eels $6.00
Verdict
Its mentioned above, attitude is the key and the Eels need a different one. Perhaps in this game, with a weaker Manly team to face, they might find them very vulnerable in this clash. If the door is slightly open and maybe they can get through it. I will not go as far as declaring them as winners, but I do think that they will make things difficult for the Sea Eagles. The Sea Eagles have the stock and will also be busting to play in from of their home fans on a Sunday afternoon. The Sea Eagles will rely heavily on their young halves so look for their involvement to be plentiful.
Suggested Bet
Manly 1-12 @ $3.50
Line call = Parramatta +14.5 @ $2.25 - I went the Raiders yesterday +13.5 and will recommend the same here because they are giving away a massive lead. The game will be played in the day and maybe Parramatta will play some "better" football.
First Try Scorer = Brett Stewart @ $8 - He has been in some great form lately and he also has a fantastic record of scoring tries at Brookvale Oval. He should be able to continue his form here and look to him to score first. He is also an option for Last Try ($8).
Good luck!
Scooby
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