NRL Round 22 Preview and Prediction - Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters @ Lottoland

Manly Sea Eagles (7th) v Sydney Roosters (2nd) @ Lottoland
 
Preview - The Sea Eagles will be looking to break an alarming 2-game losing streak when they host the high flying Roosters at Lottoland on Sunday. Whilst losing 2 games in a row can hardly be considered a disaster, it has been the nature of the defeats for the Sea Eagles which will be causing their fans some concern. Manly have conceded 92 points combined in their 2 losses to the Dragons and Storm with a combined losing margin of 64 points. Trent Barrett looked a concerned man at the post-match press conference, however their fate remains very much in their own hands only needing another 2 wins from 5 games to secure a final’s berth. The Roosters maintained pressure on the Melbourne Storm at the top the table with a come from behind 22-16 victory over the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters showed their powerful strength and depth, winning again without Jake Friend and Michael Gordon, to sit clear in 2nd spot and well placed to make a real run at the title in 2017. 

History - Manly have already beaten the Roosters this year in what was considered a big upset at the time, 18-12 at Allianz stadium back in Round 5. Manly have enjoyed playing the Roosters of late winning 4 of the past 5 clashes. Overall the Sea Egsales hold a huge advantage historically over the Roosters with 83 wins to the Roosters 44. 
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Dylan Walker has been wearing a moon boot this week after suffering a slight injury last week, however has been named in the centres for this crunch clash. Addin Fonua Blake will miss a week after being charged with a careless high tackle in the Eagles’ heavy loss to the Storm. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters will once again be without their inspirational Captain Boyd Cordner, who hasn't played for the Club since early during the Origin period. Jake Friend is some chance to return from injury after 2 weeks out, however has only been named on an extended interchange bench. 
 
Verdict - Manly by 1-6 in a high scoring game

There is no doubt Manly have hit a bit of a wall of late, however I'm expecting them to be far more competitive back at home against the Roosters. Whilst the Roosters are rolling right now, I think this is a danger game for them and a bit of complacency could creep in given they are 2nd on the ladder and in little danger of missing the all important Top 4. If Manly can get all their troops back on the paddock, and the Roosters are missing both Friend and Gordon, I would be happy to back Manly here in somewhat of a form reversal and upset at home. I think the Eagles can now see a few sides making a late run, so they will be desperate to win this game as well as restore some pride in their defence after two awful defensive displays. I’m tipping this game to be really high quality and entertaining and be desperately close, but the Eagles to pull off an upset victory at home, to all but ensure they make the finals this season.