NRL Round 6 Preview - Sea Eagles v Tigers @ Lottoland

 Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers – Brookvale Oval
 
Preview - The Wests Tigers will be aiming for their first victory at Brookvale since 2003 as they meet the Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon football. Manly have been Jekyll and Hyde to start 2018, losing all three road games, but having two commanding victories at home over the Eels and Raiders. The Tigers stunned the Storm for a second time this season, winning 11-10 in Auckland, to continue to confound their critics with 4 victories from 5 games and sitting in 4th spot on the competition ladder. 
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - The Sea Eagles welcome back their superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic after he missed last week with an ankle injury. Brad Parker also returns following a late withdrawal last week, with Matt and Jonathan Wright both missing out. 
 
Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - Ivan Clearly welcomes back big name signing Josh Reynolds  having been named on the bench for his Tigers’ debut. Jacob Liddle starts at hooker with Pita Godinet dropping out of the side altogether with Reynolds expected to spend some time a hooker. Tui Lolohea has been dropped, with David Nofoaluma recalled on the wing and Corey Thompson back at fullback. Alex Twal starts at prop for the injured Russell Packer with Sauaso Sue joining the bench.
 
Verdict - Manly by 1-6 in a high scoring game

I can see the Tigers defensive wall bursting a little here on a hot day against a good dry track team. Manly have scored 86 points in their opening 2 home games and will present a different sort of challenge for a Tigers side that has played 3 games so far in slippery, night time conditions. The Tigers have a ghastly record against Manly at Brookvale having won just 1 from their last 11 games at the venue. One thing about the Tigers this year is they are a resilient side that will play for 80 minutes. If Manly's energy is down or their defence is brittle, as it can be there is no reason the Tigers can't win again.