The Manly Sea Eagles are in poor form and will need something special to upset a Melbourne Storm side eager for revenge after their loss at Brookvale Oval earlier in the season. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6pm (AEST).
Manly are playing like a team burdened by off-field distractions and turmoil. Several injuries to key players hasn’t helped their cause, and a road trip to Melbourne to face the Storm won’t make things any easier for the 2011 premiers.
After enjoying terrific success during the period of 2007-13, Manly are no longer a team that opponents fear. They are a shadow of the side that proved so formidable for many years and it will take something extraordinary to turn things around.
The most alarming part of Manly’s game so far this season has been their defence, which at times has been borderline soft. Their defeats to the Raiders, Bulldogs, Eels and Panthers saw them defend extremely poorly, particularly out on the edges.
For all the doom and gloom however, Manly remain one of only two teams to have defeated Melbourne this season, in an epic Round 2 contest at Brookvale Oval.
On that occasion, Daly Cherry-Evans stole the show yet again with a fantastic performance in the first half, blowing Melbourne wide open en route to a 24-6 halftime lead.
Cherry-Evans has often produced some terrific performances against Melbourne over the years and he may be primed for a solid showing tonight.
The Storm meanwhile are still without Billy Slater but that didn’t stop them from upsetting the Roosters 17-16 last week in a win that moves them to the top of the table.
On attitude and belief alone, the Storm start strong favourites tonight and it’s difficult to see them losing to Manly if key duo Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk continue to play with the class we are so accustomed to seeing from them.
Storm by 8.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Surely you jest?!
john badseed
Guest
15/1 manly to make the eight. put your super on it,
Richard Maybury
Guest
I don't know what Manly offered the referees but it wasn't enough. They did an outstanding job for the Sydneysiders this evening. Well done boys, you have shown how officiating can overturn any just result.
Qld Ted
Guest
Typical Manly courage and on Anzac Day makes it even more special.
Tracey
Guest
What happened????
Qld Ted
Guest
Us against them alive and well !
Scott Pryde
Expert
Oh wait the Broncos are also on 10.
jamesb
Guest
Hopefully Parra beats Brisbane
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Nice bit of heart shown from Manly tonight. Great to see! Cheers for the call Alan
Scott Pryde
Expert
And the Dragons outright leaders of the NRL.
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Manly will do the double over Melbourne and this should finally kick start their season. Attitude and belief back in the side. FULLTIME Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
jamesb
Guest
Isn't Manlys only win this season against Melbourne?
Alan
Roar Guru
HIku superb in defence yet again. Melbourne are gone. Cronk goes high. Not a good one. Manly will win. Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - I'm calling it Manly will win this. They want it badly. Storm's attack hasn't been sharp in the second half. Cherry-Evans with the kick and Munster takes the footy well Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Chambers causing trouble down the right. Melbourne asking questions now. Hinchcliffe tackled. Mann stopped short! Manly too good Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Blake Standfield
Roar Guru
Alexander better get moving so he can be on his knees in the Manly change rooms when they get in.
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Game going down to the wire. Cherry-Evans with the kick. Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Cherry-Evans takes Harris and he had to. Green stopped short. Cronk with the chip kick. Stewart with possession for Manly Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Alan
Roar Guru
High tackle and Melbourne get the penalty.... Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Melbourne have been kept scoreless in this second half. Terrific from Manly so far. Last on the ladder beating the first placed Storm. NRL such an even competition. Munster with possession Storm 10 Sea Eagles 12