NRL Round 25 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos Preview

The business end of the season is greeted with a fantastic battle that will kick off an action packed weekend. There is only one game this weekend where there is "nothing" to play for. Take a quick look at this game and you will immediately see that this game is far from a "nothing" contest. The Sea Eagles are one of the form sides of the competition (see Power Rankings), just behind the Bulldogs. Each week they are seemingly sending a louder message to their competition rivals that they are to be feared. They are getting their full squad back on the park and are looking very dangerous. In saying that, they did suffer a few injuries is Sundays dominant display against the Knights. They now meet a side that is struggling to find their early season form that had them sitting very pretty on the table. After 5 losses in a row, the Broncos have slipped from the Top 4 to be on the brink of dropping out of the Top 8. One win should get them into the finals but with two games remaining, they should have an eye on finishing either 5th or 6th and gaining a home ground advantage. It was stated last week that they should have the more experienced men within the squad lifting the young players and lead the way out of this slump. It still avoided them with another loss to the Storm. It was a tough way to lose but they were beaten by a better side. Without Lockyer, they are struggling to win the tight games. There is a certain "X-factor" missing from their side, but there is no clear indication of which player will lead them out of the slump. This will be one of the "games of the round" and a great look at what lies ahead in the semi finals. Make sure that you not only enjoy the game, but also use it as a guide to betting in the finals.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles suffered a few injuries in their dominating win over the Knights. They got out to a very demanding lead early and were able to cruise to the finish. Don't read to much into their second half performance as that was a limiting factor. It is certainly not a situation you want to be in at this point of the season, especially when the Sea Eagles perhaps may not have as much depth as other clubs. This week see's a few changes but there could even be a few late changes to rest a few players for the semi finals. Interestingly, all players that were injured (except David Williams) have been named. Coming onto the wing for Williams is Dean Whare who has definitely proven himself capable of playing more than one position this year for the Sea Eagles.  That is the only change in their starting side. They also have good news in welcoming Darcy Lussick back from suspension. He only has a few starts left in Manly colours before shifting to Parramatta so expect a big return here from the fiery forward. In recent weeks the Sea Eagles have been able to dominate sides in the forwards and allow their young and very talented halves control the game. Expect this to happen again.

Brisbane Broncos

Still searching for any possible answers to his sides recent form slump, coach Anthony Griffin took the unusual step this week of giving his side an extra day off to freshen up. They also travelled down to Sydney earlier than normal to prepare for a ver big game. A win here would mean a lot more than two points. It would also mean a reinstallment of confidence and momentum into their squad. There is also a few changes to the side from Round 24. Corey Parker was not named in that side but did play a full game. He is named at lock and Ben Te'o who was named at lock pushes up into the second row where he played. Matt Gillett has moved back to an extended bench of 6. It is good news to have Josh McGuire and Alex Glenn back from injury. This is sure to boost their side and impact them off the bench. There is still a very big question mark hanging over the heads of their halves and their ability to play quality football. At the end of the day, they have lost an immortal in Lockyer and are struggling to replace him, something that was inevitable. But they still need to produce when it matters most. I hate to say it, but it will be the difference in them winning this game, and more importantly, how deep they go into the finals.

Recent History

Overall = Sea Eagles 17 - Draw 1 - Brisbane 17

Last 5 games = Sea Eagles 3 - Broncos 2

At Brookvale Oval = Sea Eagles 8 - Draw 1 - Broncos 5

Odds

TAB Sportsbet = Sea Eagles $1.45 Broncos $2.85

Centrebet = Sea Eagles $1.48 Broncos $2.72

Sportsbet = Sea Eagles $1.48 Broncos $2.70

Betfair = Sea Eagles $1.50 Broncos $2.88

Verdict

This is a very dangerous game to be betting on. The Sea Eagles have a lot of factors to contend with which will make it tough for them to get them a win. They had a very tough game on Sunday where they suffered a few injuries. Yes they were in cruise control in the second half but it would have taken a lot of energy for those players on the field to get through the game. The Broncos will be desperate to get a win here too. It means a lot more to their season at this point then a win to Manly does. Realistically, they cannot finish any higher than 3rd and therefore cannot win a home semi final in Week 1 of the Final. Would it be silly to think that the Sea Eagles might just rest a few players that are under an injury cloud in this game to rest them up for the semi finals. It's a very bold thing to do, but I am going to take a real gamble here and take the Broncos.

Suggested Bet

Broncos @ $2.88

If they win, has to be close! = Broncos 1-12 @ $4 - It would be an absolute surprise to see the Broncos go to Brookvale Oval and win by 13+. I am already tipping an upset so why not try to get a bit more value with them in a margin.

Take them with a big start = Broncos +10.5 @ $1.55 - If you are worried about taking the Broncos to win this match then consider taking them with a very big start. It will perhaps make your mind rest a little easier and still gives you some value.

Good luck!

Scooby

@scoobystips