NRL Round 7 Preview and Prediction - Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm @ LottoLand

Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm @ LottoLand
 
Preview - Two old rivals in the Sea Eagles and Storm renew acquaintance here as they clash at Lottoland on Saturday afternoon. The Sea Eagles came crashing back down to earth last week with their 3-game winning streak coming to a grinding halt, as they were thumped 35-10 by the Dragons at home. Their record at Lottoland this year has been poor, winning just 1 from 4 home games and having been blown out on two occasions already. The Storm suffered their first loss of the season as the Sharks got another one over them winning 11-2 in atrocious conditions at AAMI Park. After 5 straight wins, the Storm were perhaps a little flat although it’s arguable now the Sharks have their measure having beaten them on 3 of the last 4 occasions, including last year’s famous Grand Final battle. 
 
History - Since a 10-10 draw in 2013, there have been 6 clashes between the Clubs with 3 wins apiece, reinforcing the fact this has always been a tight and testy rivalry. Four of those past six clashes have been decided by 3 points or less, however when the teams met last season at Lottoland, the Storm ran out convincing 38-18 winners. Overall, the Storm hold a slight advantage, winning 16 to 13 with 1 draw. 
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Manly have suffered a couple of massive blows for this game with senior forwards Nate Myles and Martin Taupau both unavailable. Addin Fonua-Blake starts in the front row, whilst both Jackson Hastings and Lloyd Perrett win a start on the bench.
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - Both Cameron Munster and Jesse Bromwich have been named on an extended bench for Melbourne as they look to make their returns from injury. Jordan McCleans moves into the starting front row with Nelson Asofa-Solomona dropping back to the bench. 
 
Verdict - Melbourne by 10-20

I think Melbourne can win this game and win it pretty convincingly. This used to be the biggest rivalry in the NRL, however I think those days are just about done and dusted with Manly a shadow of their former selves. Manly used to enjoy taking it to Melbourne physically and relishing the type of game the Storm usually try and strangle an opposition into. However, with a lot of new players and a newish coach in Trent Barrett, Manly are playing a different style of football. Whilst I think they are capable of scoring points, I just think their defence is still far too unreliable over 80 minutes to compete with a side like the Storm. Throw in the fact the Storm are coming off a loss and the fact Manly have won just 1 from 4 at home this year, and I think all roads points to a Storm victory on Saturday night.