NRL Round 19 Newcastle Knights v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Preview

With two wins in a row everyone thought that the Knights had gotten their season back on track but they came crashing down to earth last week when they lost away to the Rabbitohs. The worse thing about the loss was the fact that they only scored 4 points in the second half and at one point, Souths looked as though they were leaving the door slightly ajar for them. But they were unable to capitalise. It was interesting in watching that game that when a few of the Rabbitohs tries were scored, the players began to vent their frustration upon one another. But if they haven't already began focusing on next season, they should now. Players are under performing and super coach Wayne Bennett looks to be building his team for next season. The Sea Eagles on the other hand put on an almighty performance against the woeful Parramatta Eels by leading them 40-nil at one point. They did concede some late points and the score ended up 40-24, but the players had clearly shut off after a dominating performance early. It certainly put to bed any thought that there was an attitude problem within the Eagles team when it can to playing teams placed below them. They are now firmly in the Top 8 in 5th place and only missing 4th by points difference. This should be a good win for them but it will also be a game that they will not want to drop. The Knights are at home however, and they always lift a few gears in front of their home fans. Please note though fans, this game is on at exactly the same time as the Storm v Cowboys clash so make sure that you have your bets on early. This game won't be as exciting, but is as equally important to the make up of teams come September.

Newcastle Knights

For a team that has under performed this season, it is funny to see the Knights run with almost the same team for a number of weeks this season. The only change that occurs in this game is the omission of Chris Adams from the bench and the inclusion of Marvin Filipo. They have not named an extended bench this week either. A consistent squad is what coach Wayne Bennett would want more than anything especially with an eye focussed on next season. It is now that he must allow players to prove themselves under his attacking and defensive systems. He does have a few recruits finding their way to the club next season but the players that are there now find themselves almost playing for their careers in case they are replaced. He has proven in the past that as a coach, he will not carry any excess bagage in his squad. The Knights definitely have a very capable backline in attack but they will have to lift their success rate in defence. Not only that, the Rabbitohs found a few holes up the middle of the field this week with the forwards becoming lazy in defence. He won't stand for this for too much longer.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Like the Knights, the Sea Eagles have gone with a relatively unchanged lineup from last weeks win over the Eels. Obviously there has been a forced change with Brett Stewart injuring his hamstring and will be out for a few weeks. Taking his spot at fullback will be Dean Whare and he has proven this season that he is definitely capable of replacing Stewart. Glenn Stewart has also been named to make a start in this match, like he was last week, but I would be very surprised if he was to play. I think that a few more weeks on the sidelines will have him fit and firing come the semi finals. The Sea Eagles should be able to win this game without him. His replacement will be from the extended bench and is likely to be Daniel Harrison. Whether or not he will start will be another thing as he could come onto the bench and Jamie Buhrer will start at lock. But stay tuned to my twitter feed for more information on that. So with a relatively similar side, Manly will look to put this game away early and perhaps allow some of their stars a rest like they did in the Eels game.

Recent History

Overall = Knights 16 - Sea Eagles 24

Last 5 games = Knights 1 - Sea Eagles 4

At Hunter Stadium = Knights 11 - Sea Eagles 8

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Knights $3.40 Sea Eagles $1.33
Centrebet = Knights $3.15 Sea Eagles $1.38
Sportsbet = Knights $3.20 Sea Eagles $1.36
Betfair = Knights $3.50 Sea Eagles $1.38

Verdict

Recent form suggests that the Sea Eagles will completely dominate the Knights in this game. Whilst they did win two games in a row, their season has been pretty disappointing and the problems with their team were evident in the game against the Rabbitohs. But they are very capable of putting in a decent performance in front of their home fans. But with that considered, the Knights would still have to lift considerably to cause an upset in this game. Manly have a better pack of forwards, greater defending capabilities in their backs and young halves who are playing well beyond their current level of experience.

Suggested Bet

Sea Eagles @ $1.38


Margin option = Sea Eagles 13+ @ $2.30 - They showed what they were capable of against the Eels in scoring a lot of points with ease. Yes that was the woeful Eels, but two weeks ago the Knights limped home in a tough game to beat the Eels. That is a form line worth following.


Specific margin = Sea Eagles 13-18 @ $4.50 - Yes Manly can score a lot of points in bunches but perhaps the Knights will not want to be completely embarrassed in front of their home fans. But if you think that this will be a complete walk over, then 19+ is at $3.50.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips