Preview: Eels v Sea Eagles
http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/league-match-preview-display/preview-eels-v-sea-eagles-31882
Venue & Time: Parramatta Stadium, 3:00pm AEST, Sunday July 29
Head To Head: Played 117, Sea Eagles 71, Eels 42, draws 4
Last Time: Sea Eagles 22 - Eels 12 at Brookvale Oval, round 9, 2007
Coverage: Channel 9, ABC Radio (NSW & ACT), 4BC, 2GB
Walking Wounded: For the Eels, centre Ben Smith suffered a broken nose on Monday night, but will take his place in this second v third blockbuster. Lock Daniel Wagon (ribs) will miss another round of footy, while fullback Luke Burt (knee) is hopeful of returning before the finals. Chad Robinson (virus) and Eric Grothe (hip) return to the squad after missing Monday's game.
Sea Eagles skipper Matt Orford is expected to play despite still feeling the effects of the virus that kept him out last week, while Townsville-bound pivot Travis Burns is out for another week with a back complaint.
Form: The Eels claimed outright third spot on the ladder following their unimpressive 20-16 Suncorp Stadium win over the depleted Broncos on Monday. Instead of using their classy backline, the Eels tried to take the Broncos on in the forwards and it almost backfired. They should have gone on with it after leading 14-0 at the break.
The Sea Eagles were also unimpressive in victory last round, just pipping a virtual Premier League-strength Cronulla side to break a 21-year hoodoo at the Sharks' home ground. Strangely enough, it was Manly's first win away from home since round eight which is hard to fathom considering the second-placed Sea Eagles have lost only four games all year.
Who's Hot: Eels second-rower Nathan Hindmarsh was a worthy man-of-match recipient for his fine all-round game against the Broncos. The Australian Test star backed up well for a try, made a couple of line breaks and not surprisingly led the way in defence with 45 tackles.
The Sea Eagles needed a flash of brilliance to climb back into the contest against the Sharks and it came in form of dashing fullback Brett Stewart. His game-breaking efforts consisted of a superb 48th-minute solo try on the left side to get Manly within rage then a fine pass to send winger Chris Hicks over in the right corner 13 minutes later. From that point on the Sea Eagles were never headed.
We Think: As consistent as the Sea Eagles have been this season, there are still lingering doubts about their ability to produce against the top sides when it counts. Sunday's blockbuster against the Eels will be the best gauge in a while to see just how Des Hasler's men are shaping at this important stage of the season. The Sea Eagles beat the Eels quite comfortably earlier in the year, but Parramatta has since blossomed into a serious contender and may just have too much forward power for Manly to handle. The Eels have won their past five Parramatta Stadium matches against the Sea Eagles. Eels by 4
Link: http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/league-match-preview-display/preview-eels-v-sea-eagles-31882
http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/league-match-preview-display/preview-eels-v-sea-eagles-31882
Venue & Time: Parramatta Stadium, 3:00pm AEST, Sunday July 29
Head To Head: Played 117, Sea Eagles 71, Eels 42, draws 4
Last Time: Sea Eagles 22 - Eels 12 at Brookvale Oval, round 9, 2007
Coverage: Channel 9, ABC Radio (NSW & ACT), 4BC, 2GB
Walking Wounded: For the Eels, centre Ben Smith suffered a broken nose on Monday night, but will take his place in this second v third blockbuster. Lock Daniel Wagon (ribs) will miss another round of footy, while fullback Luke Burt (knee) is hopeful of returning before the finals. Chad Robinson (virus) and Eric Grothe (hip) return to the squad after missing Monday's game.
Sea Eagles skipper Matt Orford is expected to play despite still feeling the effects of the virus that kept him out last week, while Townsville-bound pivot Travis Burns is out for another week with a back complaint.
Form: The Eels claimed outright third spot on the ladder following their unimpressive 20-16 Suncorp Stadium win over the depleted Broncos on Monday. Instead of using their classy backline, the Eels tried to take the Broncos on in the forwards and it almost backfired. They should have gone on with it after leading 14-0 at the break.
The Sea Eagles were also unimpressive in victory last round, just pipping a virtual Premier League-strength Cronulla side to break a 21-year hoodoo at the Sharks' home ground. Strangely enough, it was Manly's first win away from home since round eight which is hard to fathom considering the second-placed Sea Eagles have lost only four games all year.
Who's Hot: Eels second-rower Nathan Hindmarsh was a worthy man-of-match recipient for his fine all-round game against the Broncos. The Australian Test star backed up well for a try, made a couple of line breaks and not surprisingly led the way in defence with 45 tackles.
The Sea Eagles needed a flash of brilliance to climb back into the contest against the Sharks and it came in form of dashing fullback Brett Stewart. His game-breaking efforts consisted of a superb 48th-minute solo try on the left side to get Manly within rage then a fine pass to send winger Chris Hicks over in the right corner 13 minutes later. From that point on the Sea Eagles were never headed.
We Think: As consistent as the Sea Eagles have been this season, there are still lingering doubts about their ability to produce against the top sides when it counts. Sunday's blockbuster against the Eels will be the best gauge in a while to see just how Des Hasler's men are shaping at this important stage of the season. The Sea Eagles beat the Eels quite comfortably earlier in the year, but Parramatta has since blossomed into a serious contender and may just have too much forward power for Manly to handle. The Eels have won their past five Parramatta Stadium matches against the Sea Eagles. Eels by 4
Link: http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/league-match-preview-display/preview-eels-v-sea-eagles-31882
