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Meeting the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale after they’ve tasted defeat is a big challenge. Can the Newcastle Knights avoid a humiliating scoreline? Join us for live scores and coverage from 7pm AEST.
Manly blew a victory when ahead 19-10 against Melbourne last Saturday. They lost by three points after conceding two tries in the final ten minutes, and only kicked one goal from five attempts.
Given Jamie Lyon went off injured, Kieran Foran and Glenn Stewart were out and Anthony Watmough and Daly Cherry-Evans appeared to be struggling with fitness, the Sea Eagles have every reason to be proud of their efforts.
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Only one change has been made to the Manly side this week, with James Hasson pushing Tom Symonds out of the squad.
Newcastle were poor against a weakened Panthers side last week.
Wayne Bennett has resisted the urge to make any major changes, although he does welcome back Willie Mason and Korbin Sims to the bench. They replace last week’s debutants Joseph Tapine and Pat Vaivai who return to an extended bench and NSW Cup respectively.
The battle of the centres should be a highlight. Between them Newcastle pair Dane Gagai and Joey Leilua have broken 89 tackles this season, though Leilua needs to improve in defence.
Manly boast the powerhouse Kiwi paring of Peta Hiku and Steve Matai. Matai has scored 11 tries this season, while Hiku scored four tries in his last game on the wing at Brookvale Oval.
The Knights have won just two of their past eight against Manly, and have lost 12 of 14 matches at Brookvale.
For Newcastle to win they need to exhibit superior ball control, a precision long kicking game and hassle Manly into mistakes. On current form, that appears unlikely.
Manly by 14
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