Expert
The Manly Sea Eagles will desperately want to record a win and get over a horrible couple of weeks off the field for the club, as they host the Canterbury Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval. Join The Roar for live coverage of the game from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Last week the Bulldogs took on the Parramatta Eels and ran away with a huge victory for a season record of one win and one loss, while the Sea Eagles were able to hold off a late-finishing Melbourne Storm to record a close win at Brookvale.
That win also gives them a record of one win and one loss, although it’s a less convincing record than the Bulldogs after getting smashed by the Eels in Round 1.
Playing five-eighth for Manly will be new recruit Feleti Mateo, with Jamie Burher to take his spot in the forward pack. After playing the first two rounds in the second row Mateo has to take a creative outlook on the game and take some pressure off the shoulders of halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
After mauling the Eels last week, coach Des Hasler isn’t changing a winning formula, naming the same team.
Moses Mbye needs a big game. He did an excellent job against the Eels, taking plenty of pressure of Trent Hodkinson, and will be looking to perfect his role tonight.
This game is going to be won in the forwards. Which ever team puts the other under more defensive pressure by way of ball possession and field territory will score more points.
All in all the Bulldogs should have too much talent for the Kieran Foran-less Sea Eagles.
Prediction
Bulldogs by 12.
Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEDT) as Round 3 of the NRL kicks off, and be sure to leave your comments as the match progresses.