Expert
The Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles do battle at Campbelltown Stadium to kick off Round 24 of the NRL. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
In an extraordinary week of NRL drama, disloyalty and dishonesty, the players take to the field to get the actual football back underway in Round 24.
For the Tigers, the equation is simple. Win and keep their remote hopes of a semi-finals berth alive; pending the results elsewhere. They will need both New Zealand and Brisbane to stumble on the way home over the last two weeks and snatch all the points on offer themselves.
Even that may not be enough, with the for and against situation not looking that great for the black and gold at this stage.
It is a highly unlikely scenario but I guess playing early in the weekend could put some pressure on the other two, especially if the Tigers manage to put some points on the board.
No one really knows what Manly will produce tonight. With a departing and annoyed coach, an owner out for blood and a playing group seemingly shocked that their mentor will not be there to guide them in 2019, it could be a disaster.
The Sea Eagles could be a rabble but there can sometimes be a galvanising effect in such circumstances and that is what their fans will be hoping for in the West tonight.
It all points to a wild night at Campbelltown. One team desperate for a win to keep the dream alive and another playing amidst controversy, with football potentially, the furthest thing from their mind.
Prediction
Toss a coin on this one if the Sea Eagles actually turn up and compete. However, I am predicting they will be less than committed tonight and a Tigers’ side with plenty on the line should find a way past them.
Wests Tigers 28-18 Manly-Warringah Sea-Eagles
Catch all the action on The Roar, with live coverage from 7:50pm (AEST).