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.
Greg Taylor
Guest
This has to be the worst Manly team put on the field in my living memory (aged 65)
Griffo
Guest
There's no dearth of good wingers in Queensland. Darius Boyd missed out on origin this year and he's been great on the left wing for many years. Then there's Oates and Feldt. On top of that, some have suggested Ponga as a winger although I think he's best at fullback. Mind you he did a decent job on NRL debut in that position. I gave him loud encouragement from the sidelines too!
Griffo
Guest
Maybe he does, yet he still managed to win the Dally M in 2016 alongside Scott and Tamou. I guess it's about getting the right balance between the big guys. Unlike some other players who want to take lots of runs where it's to the detriment of the team, because other players get less of it and their runs become less effective, he doesn't seem to have that problem. Maybe he should be the go to guy allowing the front rowers to work off the back of him.
Austin Jones
Roar Rookie
not a bad performance from the Cowboys tonight. Be interesting to see how the rest of the round goes.
a
Guest
Paul Green needs to keep his younger players and get rid of older players
Forty Twenty
Guest
Pretty hard to watch as a Manly fan. Manly didn't create too many chances but twice we had a chance and Mathew Wright gets the ball and takes the tackle. Every player in the team must know when it is essential to pass the ball , it's a fundamental skill. The Cows played a bit like they did when they won some games at the end of last year , steady and smart.
Rob
Guest
I enjoy watching the fresh faces during Origin time. The Cowboys looked better as the game went on as the younger players grew in confidence. Thurston played well and I think he feed of the enthusiastic young blokes. It's refreshing to see the ball being passed around and offloads attempted. Much better than the plodding one out crash ball plays. Taumalolo was outstanding.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT That was a brave win to the Cowboys tonight against the odds. Thurston and Taumalolo were involved all over the park and Coote played a strong game in his comeback to first grade. The turning point of the game came halfway through the second half when Manly were dominating field position but couldnt score. The Cowboys got their chance, scored, and went on with the job. To be honest, Manly's last tackle options were poor and the likes of Cherry Evans and Hodkinson could't produce when required. Cowboys are away to the Eels next weekend whilst the Eagles take on the Warriors. Every game is a must win for the Cowboys but, for now, they are still alive. Hope you enjoyed the coverage. What did you make of it, Roarers?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Not a bad effort from the Cows considering the outs. I just wonder whether Taumalolo operates better when he's the goto guy in the pack. No Scott, Mclean, Bolton and he really played a great game tonight. Couple of young guys in both sides did well too.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Pretty poor last play by Manly. No game awareness whatsoever.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
I reckon Manly fans should demand a refund after that. Worse than the blowouts of four weeks ago.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Manly in a nutshell on that last play. Uate takes a hit-up. Zero game awareness. Zero leadership. They are rudderless. Nobody knows their role.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT A couple of plays from Manly and its full time. The Cowboys have won tonight Manly Sea Eagles 12 North Queensland Cowboys 26
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' 50 secs left. Penalty to Eagles Manly Sea Eagles 12 North Queensland Cowboys 26
Mitchell
Roar Rookie
It's amazing just how noticeable he is on the field. Not many forwards come even close to him.
David Holden
Roar Guru
79' Cowboys still playing good football. Thurston's kick is diffused and we are taking time out for a possible elbow injury for Gosiewski. Potentially a broken arm Manly Sea Eagles 12 North Queensland Cowboys 26
David Holden
Roar Guru
78' Cherry Evans bombs on last and Feldt gets back to half way Manly Sea Eagles 12 North Queensland Cowboys 26
David Holden
Roar Guru
77' Cowboys making plenty of yards. Kick from Thurston finds Uate Manly Sea Eagles 12 North Queensland Cowboys 26
David Holden
Roar Guru
76' Cherry Evans has to kick from 40 and finds Coote Manly Sea Eagles 12 North Queensland Cowboys 26
rikko
Guest
SO SIMPLE MANLY. Get rid of Barrett zorba and bring back TOOVEY.!!!!!