Sea Eagles v Broncos preview

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos
Central Coast Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

Last chance saloon for the Sea Eagles against ladder leading Broncos

Having overcome a substantial injury toll against the Warriors last week, Manly will be desperate to keep their finals hopes alive against premiership favourites Brisbane. With Geoff Toovey's future confirmed this week after months of speculation, the Sea Eagles will be hoping that they are able to put an end to the off-field dramas which have plagued them throughout 2015. A number of changes have been made from the side which prevailed in New Zealand last Saturday afternoon with Justin Horo, Blake Leary and Jesse Sene-Lefao all returning after stints on the sidelines, while former Canberra lower-grader Michael Chee-Kam will play his first game of the season off the bench. Despite suffering a hefty loss earlier this season, Manly have performed strongly against the Broncos in recent meetings, winning five of the past seven encounters.

While their positions on the premiership ladder may be in complete contrast, Brisbane will be wary of the danger posed by the Sea Eagles. With Adam Blair out for the next three weeks through suspension, Jarrod Wallace will have an opportunity to start in the front row, while the return of Jack Reed sees Corey Oates moves back to the bench alongside Joe Ofahengaue who will feature in his first games for the Broncos since Round 11. Having only played on the Central Coast twice, Brisbane will be out to extend their 100% winning streak at the venue with another strong defensive effort complemented by moments of scintillating attack.

Last Meeting: Round 13, 2015 - Brisbane Broncos 44 Manly Sea Eagles 10

Who to watch: Having suffered an injury riddled season up to this point, it is still surprising to see that Sea Eagles skipper Jamie Lyon has not scored a try in 2015. Renown for his ability to set up tries, the recent Manly 200-gamer will be eager to get over the line or face the embarrassment of an end of season nudie run. Regardless, Lyon has been a mainstay of the Sea Eagles attack over the past nine season and will have a major role in the outcome of the match.

Originally expected to miss the entirety of 2015, Darius Boyd has returned to form in recent weeks after a disrupted start to the year. While his personal issues off the field have been well documented, Boyd has consistently improved as the season has gone on. Running for just short of 200 metres along with a try last week, the fullbacks match-up against Brett Stewart may just prove to be the difference between winning and losing.

The favourite: Sitting atop the NRL ladder, the Broncos are expected to prove too strong for the Sea Eagles.

My tip: Manly produced a strong performance last week, but against Brisbane it's hard to see them replicating the result. Broncos by 12.

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Peta Hiku 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Willie Mason 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Justin Horo 13. Blake Leary
Interchange: 14. Jesse Sene-Lefao 15. Michael Chee-Kam 16. James Hasson 17. Josh Starling 20. Jayden Hodges

1. Darius Boyd 2. Lachlan Maranta 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jo Ofanhengaue 15. Mitchell Dodds 16. Corey Oates 17. Kodi Nikorima 18. Dale Copley

Referees: Gavin Badger, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Steve Folkes;

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