NRL Round 6 Preview and Prediction - Manly Sea Eagles v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Lottoland

Manly Sea Eagles v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Lottoland
 
Preview - Not many people would have been predicting five weeks ago this would be the game of the round, however that's what awaits us here at Lottoland as the surging Eagles and Dragons go head to head. With both sides having won 3 straight and sitting comfortably inside the Top 6, both Trent Barrett and Paul McGregor have managed to get their teams up and firing despite coming into this season under plenty of pressure and with little expectation from most of the Rugby League world. The Sea Eagles followed up their thumping 36-0 win over the Bulldogs with an equally impressive last gasp victory over the previously unbeaten Roosters by 18-12 at Allianz Stadium. The Dragons came into the season as 2nd favourites to win the wooden spoon, however have won 4 from their first 5 matches in highly impressive fashion. Last week they went about their business with a minimum of fuss, dispatching the Wests Tigers 28-6 in another commanding defensive display. More pleasing for Dragons fans is their attack, which is currently the best in the NRL after 5 Rounds.
 
History - The Dragons have a shocking recent record at Lottoland, having lost their past 4 games at the venue and 4 of their last 5 at all venues against the Sea Eagles. However, overall the Dragons hold a commanding advantage having won 15 compared to the Sea Eagles 9.
 
Many Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Manly go into this match with an unchanged starting line-up from the side that has won their past 3 in grand style. However, they get a welcome inclusion on the bench with Darcy Lussick, the big front rower, fit to take his place on the interchange bench. That means Jackson Hastings goes back to Reserve Grade. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons received a big blow last week with in-form fullback Josh Dugan failing to complete the Tigers’ match and being ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury. That means utility outside back Kurt Mann gets his chance at fullback after starting in the centres last week. After missing last round with a hamstring injury, Euan Aitken is fit to return at centre, whilst Hame Sele is set to make his debut from the interchange bench in place of Jacob Host.
 
Verdict - Manly by 6-14

I really like Manly in this game to make it 4 straight wins. I think the Dragons are going to really miss Josh Dugan who has looked a player reborn this year. I also think the Sea Eagles’ form line is a lot stronger and despite the Dragons playing well, their opposition in the Warriors and Tigers have been awful in the past couple of weeks. The Dragons are also coming off a 6-day turnaround compared to the Sea Eagles 8-day turnaround. I'm expecting this to be a high quality match with both sides playing with plenty of confidence. I expect the Dragons to defend strongly and play for 80 minutes, however I just think Manly will have a few too many points in them, playing at home in front of a big crowd.