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An Origin-affected Round 13 of the NRL kicks off with the Manly Sea Eagles hosting the North Queensland Cowboys. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:50pm (AEST).
After two strong victories, against the Broncos and an under-strength Storm, the Sea Eagles landed with a thump last weekend, with a one-point loss to the Raiders.
They did hold the lead going into the last ten minutes, so they will regard this match as one that got away.
Nevertheless, from where they were just a few weeks ago, Trent Barrett and his team have responded well.
While welcoming back Api Koroisau from suspension, Manly lose both Trbojevic brothers for State of Origin. Matt Wright is listed to start at fullback, Shaun Lane comes in at lock, with Brad Parker and Jack Gosiewski the new names added to the interchange bench.
The Cowboys have lost the past two games to the Rabbiohts and Storm by the slimmest of margins. If not already too late, sitting four wins outside the eight, this is a must-win game. If they lose, they can start planning the end of season trip in September.
They will go into the match understrength as well, with Michael Morgan, Coen Hess and Gavin Cooper in the Queensland camp, Matt Scott sitting on the sidelines from suspension, while Scott Bolton has been named but is battling a rib injury.
Lachlan Coote returns to fullback, Ethan Lowe and Shaun Fensom get into the run-on team, and Sam Hoare is added to the bench. The suspension of Scott will require another adjustment to the squad.
Working in their favour is recent history – the Cowboys having won four of the last five clashes between the two, including two at Lottoland.
Prediction
Both teams have been hurt by Origin but the Cowboys may feel it more, especially given Scott is also missing.
Without any confidence, I’m tipping the Sea Eagles in a close one, which effectively will end North Queensland’s season.
Sea Eagles by 1.
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