27 Jul 2018 by Ash Wheldon
2018 NRL – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers Preview
When? Saturday 28th July, 06:00 (UK)
Where? Lottoland
What channel is it on? UK - Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Penrith Panthers will not be televised live in the UK
Australia - Foxtel, LIVE PASS
Where can I stream the match? UK - N/A
Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/manly-warringah-sea-eagles-v-penrith-brookvale-new-south-wales-28-07-2018/event/13005386C1C8B501?artistid=1297216&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=695
Head Coach: Trent Barrett
Starting 13: T. Trbojevic, Taufua, Suli, Kelly, Parker, Walker, Cherry-Evans, Fonua-Blake, Fainu, Taupau, Thompson, Lane, J. Trbojevic – Interchanges: Hodkinson, Tanginoa, Winterstein, Paseka – Reserves: M. Wright, Gosiewski
Unavailable: Curtis Sironen, Lachlan Croker, Api Koroisau, Akuila Uate
Manly were on the end of a heavy defeat at home to Sydney Roosters last week. The Roosters ran in 10 tries as they swept the Sea Eagles aside in a 24-56 loss.
Dylan Walker and Jorge Taufua come back into the side after recovering from injuries. That means Tom and Matt Wright both drop out. In the only other change, Kelepi Tanginoa replaces Toafofoa Sipley.
Manly have now lost six of their last seven games in a run of form that has seen them sit just two points off the foot of the NRL ladder.
Head Coach: Anthony Griffin
Starting 13: Peachey, Mansour, Blake, Whare, Watene-Zelezniak, Maloney, Cleary, Fisher-Harris, Katoa, Tamou, Kikau, Harawira-Naera, Yeo – Interchanges: May, Merrin, Hetherington, Leota – Reserves: Ellis, Crichton
Unavailable: Sam McKendry, Dylan Edwards, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Jarome Luai
Penrith suffered a big defeat against Brisbane last week. The Panthers were left shell-shocked by the fast starting Broncos who went into the break with a 32-point lead. The Panthers responded from their scoreless first half but had far too much to do as they went down 50-18.
Anthony Griffin has shaken things up after last week's heavy defeat with Jarome Luai an enforced omission due to an ankle injury. Tyrone Peachey takes over at fullback with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak taking Christan Crihton's place on the wing. Corey Harawira-Naera comes into the starting side with Trent Merrin dropping to the bench whilst Isaah Yeo reverts to lock and James Fisher-Harris starts at prop.
Penrith have only won one of their last five games in a run that has seen the Panthers slide down the ladder and must get back to winning ways to prevent the chasing back putting pressure on their top 8 place.
THE PREDICTION
Manly and Penrith were both on the end of big defeats last week as they both conceded at least 50 points. The Sea Eagles were trounced by the Roosters whilst the Panthers suffered a hammering at the hands of the Broncos. With both seeking a reaction this week, this could turn into an interesting contest. Manly having nothing to play for but avoiding the wooden spoon this season whilst the Panthers will need to arrest their poor form if they are to avoid being dragged into a fight to keep their spot in the play-offs. Neither side instil confidence at the minute but the Panthers should be able to get back to winning ways here.