3 minute read
Top-eight hopes are on the line when arch rivals Manly Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights clash in a huge game on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides are locked together on the ladder, with the Sea Eagles just one point ahead of the Knights heading into the game.
The Sea Eagles are in eighth spot, but that could change before Sunday as the ladder is tight to say the very least.
But with the games of the regular season running out fast, both sides will be desperate to pick up a crucial two points.
Some big names will be missing due to State of Origin, but there will still be bags of quality on show.
It has all the ingredients for a cracking game at a hostile venue, 4 Pines Park, so all lovers of NRL could be in for a treat.
. What: Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights
. Where: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
. When: 16:05 (AEST), Sunday 14th July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Manly Sea Eagles 1.42, Newcastle Knights 2.90
Trbo key for Sea Eagles
Manly picked up a massive two points when they edged out the Cowboys by one point in a thriller last week, and will look to kick on against the Knights.
Daly Cherry-Evans was the hero, kicking a golden point winner against the Cowboys, but the skipper will be with Queensland for State of Origin this week.
However the Sea Eagles still have plenty of talent to call on, including Tom Trbojevic, who is back from injury and in the side.
The gun fullback will be key for the Sea Eagles and he can be backed at 8.50 to score the first try of the game, or 1.95 to score at anytime.
4 Pines Park has been a happy home for the Sea Eagles this season, winning five from six.
They also have a good record against the Knights at the venue when winning nine of the last 11 meetings between the two sides.
The last time they met there in round 5 in 2023 it finished 32-32, when even extra time could not separate them.
Manly can be backed at 2.30 to win by 13+ points on this occasion.
Big guns missing for Knights
The Knights will have to do without star players Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Bradman Best for the big game.
They will take some replacing and coach Adam O'Brien has to field a new-look backline.
Fletcher Sharpe comes in to replace Ponga at fullback, while Krystian Mamapalangi comes in on the wing.
Dylan Lucas and Thomas Cant are the new centres as the Knights look to pull off a big win.
Mamapalangi can be backed at 11.00 to score the first try of the game or 2.20 to score at anytime.
They have travelled well this season, winning four out of five games on the road, but this could be their biggest test yet.
The Knights can be backed at 4.25 to win by 1-12 points.
They do have some extra motivation as Jackson Hastings will also be making his 100th NRL appearance.
