2019 NRL – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Saturday 3rd August, 06:00
Where is Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Lottoland
What channel is Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs Newcastle Knights?
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500002
Newcastle Knights – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500003
THE TEAM NEWS
MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
Head Coach: Des Hasler
Starting 13: T. Trbojevic, Taufua, Parker, Suli, Garrick, Walker, Cherry-Evans, Fonua-Blake, Fainu, Taupau, Thompson, Sironen, J. Trbojevic – Interchanges: Croker, Waddell, Boyle, Paseka – Reserves: Gosiewski, Koroisau
Unavailable: Albert Hopoate, Toafofoa Sipley
- Manly produced an excellent performance to highlight their premiership credentials as they edged out Melbourne in a golden point thriller but their challenge will be backing-up that same level of performance here.
- The Sea Eagles came out of last weekend's game unscathed albeit mentally and physically drained after the gruelling 90-minute encounter and Jake Trbojevic also avoided a ban for his dangerous throw.
- Head coach Des Hasler has retained the same 17 that were triumphant last week but could make a late change with Apisai Koroisau listed as a reserve and he could make his comeback from injury here with Lachlan Croker the most likely man to make way on the bench.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Nathan Brown
Starting 13: Ponga, Kenny-Dowall, Hunt, Moga, Mann, Lino, Pearce, Klemmer, Watson, D. Saifiti, Fitzgibbon, Barnett, Glasby – Interchanges: J. Saifiti, Gavet, Mata’utia Guerra – Reserves: Buhrer, Randall
Unavailable: Slade Griffin, Edrick Lee, Jesse Ramien
- Newcastle's poor run of form continued as they were narrowly beaten by Wests Tigers as the Knights dropped out of the play-off places following the defeat which was their fourth in a row.
- Lachlan Fitzgibbon is set to provide the Knights with a huge boost by returning from a dislocated elbow earlier than expected and he will be one of many changes following a week of drama off the pitch for the Knights.
- Jesse Ramien has been told he is free to find a new club and that has caused a backline reshuffle with Hymel shifting inside to the centres whilst Kurt Mann will swap his five-eighth role for the wing with Mason Lino in at #6 whilst Connor Watson replaces Danny Levi at hooker.
THE PREDICTION
Newcastle were dreaming of the top 4 just a matter of weeks ago and now have a fight on their hands just to make the top 8. They head to Manly who were sensational last week and they will take bags of confidence into this encounter which should see them condemn the Knights to a fifth-straight loss. The Sea Eagles have beaten the Knights in eight of their last 10 encounters and there is little to suggest that record will improve for Newcastle based on the respective recent performances of the two teams.
