NRL Round 1 Preview and Prediction - Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels @ Brookvale Oval

Manly Sea Eagles (0-0) v Parramatta Eels (0-0) @ Brookvale Oval
 
Preview - Bitter rivals, Manly and Parramatta, clash in a Round 1 rivalry game on Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval. Manly was one of the biggest disappointments in 2016, when despite making some big name signings and being under the tutelage of first year Coach Trent Barrett, they slumped to a 13th placed finish winning just 8 games. Manly looked unrecognisable last year from the tough, battle hardened sides of the past decade, as they were blown out in several games and had to deal with a massive injury toll. It was a real baptism of fire for rookie Coach Trent Barrett who will need to do better than 13th this season at a Club that is accustomed to success.

Parramatta was a Club that performed well on the field in 2016, but were a complete shambles off the field. Despite winning 13 games last season, and having the 5th best defence in the NRL, the Eels were rooted in 14th place due to that massive 12-point deduction imposed on the Club for huge salary cap breaches. Coach Brad Arthur did well to keep his players motivated and focused in a year when their captain, Kieron Foran, quit the Club, playmaker Corey Norman was suspended for an off-field incident, and winger Semi Radradra threatened to quit the Club.

History - The Sea Eagles have a dominant overall record against Parramatta having won 82 and lost 50 with 2 draws. However, of recent times, it has been a far different story, with Parramatta having won their past 5 clashes against Manly. However they do have a poor overall record at Brookvale, having won less than a third of their games there over the years. 

Manly Sea Eagles Scouting Report - The Sea Eagles have put new exciting recruit Brian Kelly straight into the starting side to replace retired veteran Steve Matai. The Sea Eagles fended off several NRL clubs and the Titans to poach Kelly. Kelly is a strong and powerful centre who managed 11 tries in 15 games in 2016 for the Titans in the NYC. It will be interesting to see how Blake Green goes in his first start for Manly, partnering Captain Daly Cherry Evans in the halves. Cherry Evans struggled with the burden of not having a proper halves partner this year, so whether Green can play that foil and free Cherry Evans up to get back to his best might be the key to Manly's season. Back rower Curtis Sironen wins a start in the back row after a strong pre-season after his move from the Wests Tigers. 

Parramatta Eels Scouting Report - The Eels have a few new faces to the team that did a great job in 2016, despite all the controversy off the field. Exciting youngster Bevan French moves to fullback in a full time capacity after Michael Gordon's move to the Roosters. However, the biggest surprise comes in the forwards with Kaysa Pritchard winning a start ahead of veteran hooker Isaac De Gois. I think it's a good move for the Eels as they need some more pace and creativity around the ruck as the team struggled to ease the burden on Corey Norman last season, especially inside the opponents 20 metre zone.  Older brother of Kaysa, Frank Pritchard, also makes his debut for the club off the bench after a season in the English Super League. 

Verdict - Parramatta by 6 Points or Less

I was confident about a Parramatta victory here, however I'm starting to waver a little considering they still seem to be finding some trouble and distractions off the field. With Kenny Edwards having been stood down, I am sure Coach Brad Arthur would be fuming that he continues to encounter players going off the rails in the lead up to the season. I think this will be a really tight and grafting affair between two bitter rivals that will be desperate to kick off 2017 with a victory. I just think Parramatta can get on top in the forwards and win the battle of field position on what will be a bog track at Brookvale Oval. I think this game will be pretty low scoring and I'm just backing Corey Norman to have a huge game and outplay Daly Cherry Evans to get Parramatta a win to kick off their season 2017.