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The game of the round is only hours away. A grand final preview perhaps? Big call, I know, when you have the likes of Melbourne, North Queensland and Brisbane all playing some good footy but no doubt this game has all the ingredients to be an epic encounter.
It was in the 2010 finals series when these two teams last met.
The Dragons produced a clinical display to crush Manly’s title hopes with a 28 nil victory but I think it’s safe to say tonight’s game will be a tight grinding affair with neither team giving an inch.
The defending premiers are back at the redeveloped WIN Stadium for the first time this year.
It’s been 400 days since the famous Red V played an NRL match at home so they will be looking to impress after what has proven to be a tough month with Origin and injuries testing the depth of the team.
The Dragons will also be looking to wrest their ascendency back and put to bed recent suggestions they’re in a mid season form slump.
The visitors travel to Wollongong not having won their since 2003.
Now equal $4.00 favourites to take out the premiership, the Sea Eagles can no longer rely on ‘flying under the radar’.
They are now on the big stage and tonight is their opportunity to stamp their authority, a chance to prove they are in fact a serious challenger to take out this year’s title.
It has all the hallmarks of a great game.
Key Matchups: As I mentioned earlier, the match ups right across the park are of international standard.
Fullbacks Darius Boyd v Brett Stewart, Centres Mark Gasnier v Steve Matai, halfback Jamie Soward v Kieran Foran, second-rowers Trent Merrin v Anthony Watmough and props Jason King v Michael Weyman.
Whoever gets on top in these matchups will go a long way to helping their team take out a victory.
Why the Dragons will win: Last year the Dragons loved going left. The majority of their tries came from sweeping moves which included the likes of Hornby, Boyd and Morris.
The left edge proved to be an issue for many opposition teams but with Mark Gasnier back in the ranks, they now have an attacking option on both sides of the park.
The Dragons have in fact scored 13 tries on the right fringe so far this season; their most prolific try scoring area.
Mark Gasnier have scored 5 tries from 5 games against he Sea Eagles.
Coming back from injury and selected in an initial New South Wales squad Brett Morris will be looking for a big game.
Why Manly will win: Brett Stewart was back to some of his best last week against Parramatta, scoring a try, setting up another, adding seven tackle-breaks, three line-breaks and 103 meters.
If he racks up these kind of stats, it will go along way to helping Manly leave Wollongong two points better off and back on top of the ladder.
The other Stewart in the team is also in career best form. Selected in the NSW squad for the first time in a few seasons Glenn had 34 tackles and two line-break assists against the Eels.
Limiting the Stewart factor would have no doubt been spoken about in the Dragons camp leading up to tonight’s game.
DRAGONS: Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier, Kyle Stanley, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (capt), Dan Hunt, Dean Young, Michael Weyman, Trent Merrin, Ben Creagh, Matt Prior. Interchange: Jon Green, Nathan Fien, Adam Cuthbertson, Michael Greenfield, Jack Bosden, Alex McKinnon (two to be omitted).
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Jamie Lyon (capt), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, George Rose, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Jamie Buhrer, Tim Robinson, Darcy Lussick, Daniel Harrison (one to be omitted).
The History: Played 17; Dragons 12, Sea Eagles 5. The Dragons have won four of the past six against the Sea Eagles including two impressive wins last season. Both came at WIN Jubilee Stadium, the first a 32-10 hammering before the 28-0 clinic in the first week of the finals – the last time they met. At WIN Stadium in Wollongong the Dragons lead 3-1 in clashes there, with Manly’s only win coming way back in April 2003.
Match Officials: Referees – Shayne Hayne & Gavin Badger; Touch Judges – Paul Holland & Ricky MacFarlane; Video Ref – Sean Hampstead.
Betting:
Dragons – $1.65
Manly – $2.20
Expect to see both teams playing a tight compact game in the early minutes as both teams size each other up
We will provide a live blog of the game so if you cannot catch the action live on Fox Sports from 7pm feel free to jump on board and offer your two cents worth.
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