NRL Round 21 Preview and Prediction - Melbourne Storm v Manly Sea Eagles @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm (1st) v Manly Sea Eagles (6th) @ AAMI Park
 
Preview - Two of the most famous rivals in the NRL do battle here as the Sea Eagles travel south to take on the Storm on Sunday afternoon at AAMI Park. After a couple of poor seasons from the Sea Eagles, this rivalry might return here with the Eagles looking certain to be in the finals for the first time in 3 seasons, and the Storm flying high on top of the table as usual. Manly put in perhaps their worst display of the season last week with a 52-22 loss to the Dragons at WIN Stadium. The Eagles were never really in the contest, having been ambushed in the first half trailing 30-0 at half time. The Storm continued on their merry way winning 20-14 in a spiteful and keenly contested game in Canberra last week. Once again, the Storm showed their resolve as they were able to overcome injuries to both Billy Slater and Cameron Smith to grind out another victory which keeps them a game clear on top of the table.

History - When the sides met earlier this year at Lottoland we witnessed a point scoring bonanza as the Storm held on for a 30-26 victory after leading 20-0 earlier in the game. The sides had not met at AAMI Park since 2015 where Manly scraped home for a 12-10 victory. The last 8 matches have been fairly evenly contested with 4 wins to the Storm, 3 wins for Manly and a draw. These sides have plenty of history together having traded wins in the 2007 and 2008 Grand Finals. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm will be without Billy Slater who will sit out a week after suffering a heavy concussion last week. Cameron Munster looks like he will move back into the Number 1 jersey, with Rylie Jack partnering Cooper Cronk in the halves. The Storm are also likely to be without their inspirational Captain Cameron Smith despite him being named in the side. Smith suffered a pec injury last week against the Raiders and is likely to be out for at least a week, and will be replaced by Slade Griffin. 
 
Manly Sea Eagle’ Scouting Report - Trent Barrett will be relieved that a couple of the key players in his spine both return, with Blake Green and Api Koroisau both fit to return after missing the Eagles’ hammering at the hands of the Dragons. Brenton Lawrence returns to the starting front row with Lloyd Perrett moving back to the interchange bench. Cameron Cullen goes back to the bench after filling in at hooker last week, with Jackson Hastings missing out on the side all together. 
 
Verdict - Storm 1-12

I expect Manly to bounce back and produce a much better performance than they did last week against the Dragons. It’s impossible to tip against the Storm at full strength, especially at home, however if they are missing both Slater and Smith it certainly makes them a little more vulnerable despite having some good young talent. The Sea Eagles desperately need both Blake Green and Koroisau back as they were sadly missed with their experience and quality last week. I expect this game to be high scoring and Manly to go with Melbourne and perhaps cover them, but not quite able to get a victory here.