The Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles clash in a terrific preliminary final pitting two of the NRL’s most dominant teams against each other for a place in next week’s Grand Final. Join us for NRL live scores and commentary from 7:30pm AEST.
Melbourne and Manly have become a staple in finals football, setting the standard for rugby league excellence over the past few seasons.
In 2011, the Storm were 80 minutes away from their fifth grand final appearance in six years but were denied by a Warriors side that caused a major boilover at AAMI Park. The Storm were defeated 12-20.
That loss has stung Melbourne deeply and they will be keen to make the most of their home ground advantage tonight against the reigning premiers.
After a major hiccup against Canterbury a fortnight ago, the Sea Eagles got back on track with a controversial victory against the in-form Cowboys last week.
Despite securing the win, the Sea Eagles struggled to put the Cowboys away after leading 12 nil early and can ill-afford to drop their intensity against Melbourne tonight.
Prediction
With Jason Ryles missing for Melbourne, the Sea Eagles possess an important edge upfront and will be keen to turn this match into an arm wrestle.
Manly blew the Cowboys away early up the middle of the park, with Anthony Watmough, Jason King, Tony Williams, Brent Kite and Glenn Stewart all getting over the advantage line for the majority of the first half.
If the Sea Eagles forwards can replicate last week’s intensity, they should just get the better of a hardworking Storm pack.
Manly also need to keep their discipline in check tonight against Melbourne. The Storm were clinical against South Sydney a fortnight ago and kept the Rabbitohs on the back foot for the majority of the contest.
When they find their rhythm, Melbourne is almost impossible to break down, particularly at AAMI Park where star trio Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater continue to dominate.
Playing in front of a big home crowd, the Storm will be keen to get out of the blocks early and will look to punish any ill-discipline that the Sea Eagles produce during the first half.
If Melbourne does manage to get the first try on the board, the Sea Eagles will have a hard time wrestling momentum away from a side that simply loves to play on the front foot.
The same can be said of Manly, who continue to amass a wonderful winning record after scoring the first try of a match.
Manly has won 28 of its past 29 matches after scoring the first try. It is an outstanding statistic that truly demonstrates how clinical and confident the Sea Eagles can become when they register first points.
With both teams known for their clinical and professional edge, tonight’s contest should go down to the wire.
Although the Storm failed to make the most of their home ground advantage last season, expect Melbourne to leave nothing in the tank tonight as they just edge Manly in one of the matches of the season.
Storm by 4
Bearfax
Guest
Boo hoo hioo. well congratulation Manly for getting this far. I expected 8th place, but Toovey proved a better coach straight off than expected. But in the end that old Nemesis brought them down with a thud. Melbourne are certainly playing like premiers at the moment. Personally I'm hoping for a Melbourne-South grandfinal now that my favourite is gone for the season. Whoever gets there, it should be a a top class game. Three very fine teams remain.
bluerose
Guest
might be middle earth.
Meesta Cool
Guest
He hasn't been coached to play for penalties!..
Meesta Cool
Guest
To all the Manly fans who gloated about the 40-0 scoreline in 2008, This was a carbon copy, tonight Manly were worn out by three successive hard games, playing a team that is coming into form with a week off to relax and repair injuries. -- same scenerio as Grand Final!. same result!. yup 40 is a relativly easy achievement against a worn out, injury ridden team... I will not gloat!.
PLANKO
Guest
If you believe in Karma you might also think about getting a few straws to cluch on
Sparks
Roar Rookie
Hahahaha
Renegade
Guest
At least you guys aren't sore losers....so good on ya. Melbourne are the best team in the comp and i've always felt they will come good at the right time of the year....they're back to their best during this finals series and i can't see them losing next week - they would be well deserved premiers. Anyways big sydney grand final tomorrow...hopefully its a bit closer!
Matt
Guest
How many dropped balls did they do, christ, they need some smaller tits and they might catch a few more.
Matt
Guest
Why I haz no friends? :(
Matt
Guest
Burn.
Renegade
Guest
The atmosphere seemed pretty good too me....
eagleJack
Guest
Well everyone kept saying Karma would get us after our premierships in the 70s. It's taken a while and I've certainly enjoyed the last 5 years. Good on ya Karma, you slow and lazy beast!
Danno1
Guest
Could be the middle 5th The game is getting very precise these days (refs calls excepted)
The High Shot
Roar Pro
Cheers mate, see you in 2013
yewonk
Guest
two games too many for manly. they were broken tonight
Andy
Guest
Toovey will flip a table at the aftermatch press conference.
Andy
Guest
The comparison between the errors and the completion rates tells the entire story of the match. Still have to give credit to some players, like Lyon all class.
WQ
Guest
Yeh, Yeh, ever heard of Karma PLANKO
PLANKO
Guest
Collingwood coming back hard people ... High Shot good call mate have a good one.... I am watching something interesting now. Good night oikee take it easy on the rum son. I dont like the game but it is tense
Sparks
Roar Rookie
The middle third, isn't that just the middle?