Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers
Bluetongue Stadium, 7.35pm
Sea Eagles $1.50, Tigers $2.62 (Centrebet)
Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, Will Hopoate, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (c), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange (from): Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Shane Rodney, George Rose, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick
Tigers: Tim Moltzen, Beau Ryan, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Matt Utai, Benji Marshall, Robert Lui, Bryce Gibbs, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington. Interchange (from): Wade McKinnon, Todd Payten, Mitch Brown, Aaron Woods, Matt Groat
It’s been a year since these two teams last met but neither will have forgotten the fiery battle that ensued which had plenty of mouth watering ball skills on display with some fisticuff action to boot. The game went red hot when Steve Matai accused Robbie Farah of taking a dive.
Before the start of this season the two sides met again albeit for a charity cricket match. The word going around then was that the Tigers were upset that Manly had recruited a few local A-grade cricketers for their team and that they couldn’t wait to meet the Sea Eagles on the footy field to exact revenge. (I’m not sure what for. If it’s for charity then who cares if Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar are playing?)
That time is now here and Manly are on a roll sitting 2nd on the competition ladder whilst the Tigers sit in 7th fighting to maintain their place in the top 8.
The Tigers showed great improvement last week and the benefits came simply from completing their sets and not throwing silly passes. They will need to be super composed to give themselves the best opportunity at breaking through the Manly defensive line. I’d like to see Farah utilising his kicking game before the 5th tackle if he can catch the Manly wingers up near the line.
Manly have only ever lost one game at Bluetongue stadium and when they win here it’s generally by a decent margin. They welcome back Michael Robertson to the left wing and will be looking to capitalise early down the edges.
The game will also see the New Zealand international halves in Kieran Foran and Benji Marshall go head to head in what should be a ding dong battle.
Mike’s Best Bet: None
Starting Bank: $2000, Current Bank $2398.42
(Team lists sourced from nrl.com.au)
