NRL Round 25 Preview and Prediction - New Zealand Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles @ Mount Smart Stadium
New Zealand Warriors (13th) v Manly Sea Eagles (8th) @ Mount Smart Stadium
Preview - The Sea Eagles will be desperate to turn their miserable form around, with a final’s spot up for grabs, when they visit the struggling Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Sea Eagles put in a shocking performance last Sunday, as they were lapped 30-10 by the previously sinking Bulldogs, who won for the first time in 8 games. Manly lacked energy and enthusiasm from their start, and their brittle edge defence would be a missive concern for Trent Barrett as they continue to wobble towards a final’s spot. The Warriors slumped to their 5th straight loss, going down 36-18 to the Rabbitohs, after leading 18-12 early in the second half. Once again, the Warriors conceded some soft tries through the middle as another long season heads towards a painful conclusion.
History - Earlier this season the Sea Eagles took a home game to Perth where they claimed a dramatic 26-22 win over the Warriors. The Warriors led the game 16-0 but threw it away in all to familiar fashion. Manly have totally dominated the Warriors since the Warriors inception to the competition in 1995. Manly have won the last 6 straight including 17 of their last 20 encounters against the Kiwi club. At Mount Smart Stadium, Manly have 11 wins from 14 visits.
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - The Warriors welcome back a couple of their best players with both Shaun Johnson and Ben Matalino fit to return from injury and suspension respectively. Kieran Foran has been named to play his old side, despite being a chance of being ruled out with a back injury.
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Trent Barrett has named an unchanged side as he gives his men a chance to redeem themselves from their listless performance against the Bulldogs last week. Daly Cherry Evans had one of his quietest games of the season and I expect him to bounce back with a bang this week. The Sea Eagles’ edge defence is a real worry at the moment with the Tigers and Bulldogs scoring a number of simple tries in the past couple of weeks.
Verdict - Manly by 4-12 in a high scoring game
This is actually a hard game to call, as the Sea Eagles were so deplorable last week I don’t think they could have beaten anyone. However, I couldn't possibly tip the Warriors on what they have served up of late, although getting Shaun Johnson back will provide them with a massive boost in class and energy. I think this game could be very entertaining, with plenty of open football, and some slipshod defence. Expect this game to be both close and high scoring. I just think with so much at stake for Manly, they find a way to get the job done by a try or less.