Sea Eagles v Sharks preview

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Brookvale Oval - Sunday 4:00pm

Classic rivals battle it out at Brookie for a much-needed two points.

After putting together a solid performance a fortnight ago, the Sea Eagles were unable to put together back-to-back wins, going down to the Rabbitohs last Friday. Despite the loss, Manly coach Geoff Toovey has retained the same 18-man squad as last week, with Willie Mason included on the bench after being omitted against South Sydney. Having been overlooked by Mal Meninga for a spot in the Queensland side, Daly Cherry-Evans will be out for a big game in order to get the Sea Eagles off the bottom of the ladder and avoid the embarrassment of finishing with the wooden spoon for the first time in the history of the club.

After an inconsistent season for much of 2015, the Sharks have discovered their best form, putting together three straight wins including a tremendous effort to come from 18-0 behind to end North Queensland's 11-game winning run last Saturday night. The win came at a cost however, with Michael Ennis receiving a one-match ban for a high tackle. Pat Politoni is likely to come into the side as a direct replacement for the veteran hooker, however Sharks coach Shane Flanagan may explore using Jeff Robson at #9, with Todd Murphy possibly in line for an NRL debut after featuring for Newtown in NSW Cup. Cronulla have struggled in recent years against Manly, managing one win from their past eleven clashes dating back to 2008, while the last time they pulled off a win at Brookvale Oval, Brett Kimmorley and Greg Bird were playing for the Sharks.

Last Meeting: Round 15, 2014 - Cronulla Sharks 0 Manly Sea Eagles 26

Who to watch: Having experienced one of the most successful careers in such a short space of time, 2015 will go down as a year to forget for Daly Cherry-Evans. The long-running contract dramas which have plagued Manly's season have taken a significant toll upon arguably the most successful side of the past decade, with Cherry-Evans failing to produce the form which saw the Sea Eagles off him a lifetime contract. While still capable of moments of brilliance, the maligned halfback will need to get back to basics if Manly are to come away with the win, but if he is able to get back to his best don't be prepared to write the Sea Eagles off for a place in the finals just yet.

After signing from Penrith as a halfback, Wade Graham has developed into one of the most respected and hard-working back rowers in the NRL. Playing his 100th game for Cronulla on Sunday, Graham has been a constant work horse for the Sharks, stepping up to fill the void left by Paul Gallen on numerous occasions over the past four seasons. With Michael Ennis out through suspension, expect Graham to step up his efforts in defence whilst also offering a creative spark out of dummy half.

The favourite: With Michael Ennis ruled out with suspension, Manly have firmed as favourite with the home ground advantage also playing a factor.

My tip: Regardless of the outcome expect an entertaining encounter on Sunday afternoon, however the Sea Eagles should get away with the win narrowly. Manly by 8.

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Peta Hiku 4. Steve Matai 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Luke Burgess 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Tom Symonds 13. Dunamis Lui
Interchange: 14. James Hasson 15. Ligi Sao 16. Justin Horo 17. Willie Mason 22. Josh Starling

1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Chris Heighington
Interchange: 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Ben Barba 16. David Fifita 17. Sam Tagataese

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Steve Folkes;

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