The fire and brimstone rivalry between the Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles is set for another blockbuster as the two sides kickoff their 2015 Premiership campaigns.
The Eels' major off-season talking point was that of the leaving of fullback Jarryd Hayne who has moved to the United States in his pursuit of his NFL dream.
Parramatta come into the match with a new look back-line and a relatively fresh forward pack.
Semi Radradra is the only Eels back who will line up in the same position that he played in 2014.
Will Hopoate moves to fullback with new recruits Beau Champion and Brad Takairangi forming the centre partnership and speedster, Reece Robinson starting in the remaining wing position.
As expected, Corey Norman and Chris Sandow will be the halves.
Meanwhile, in the forward pack, Tim Mannah and Darcy Lussick start up front with Nathan Peats making his long awaited return to first grade following a knee and shoulder reconstruction in 2014.
The back-row possesses plenty of fire power in the forms of Manu Ma'u, Tepai Moeroa and former Manly stalwart, Anthony Watmough.
The Eels' extended bench sees Isaac De Gois assume the utility role with Junior Paulo and David Gower the reserve props with Joseph Paulo expected to be added as an extra dimension to the attack later in the match.
Pauli Pauli and Danny Wicks round out the bench with both of them named to start for Wentworthville in round one of the NSW Cup.
Manly will be without the services of Steve Matai whilst they have a new look forward pack.
Former Knight, Willie Mason starts alongside Brenton Lawrence whilst former Eel, Feleti Mateo slots into the back-row.
Luke Burgess seems set to make his Manly debut on an extended bench that features another former Eel in Justin Horo.
The last time these two sides met we saw a match for the ages with the underdog Eels keeping their hunt for the finals alive following a 22-12 win.
Although Manly led 12-0 at half-time, the Eels dominated in the forwards and their patience paid off, crossing for four unanswered tries in the second half.
This match promises to be even more spiteful than usual with Manly legend, Anthony Watmough leaving the club and signing with the Eels at the end of the 2014 season.
Along with Watmough, Parramatta boast Darcy Lussick, Will Hopoate and coach Brad Arthur who have also called the Northern beaches home.
Meanwhile Manly have former Eels Justin Horo, Jamie Lyon and Feleti Mateo.
The game is scheduled for a 7:45 kick-off at Pirtek Stadium.
Being introduced this year through Blue & Gold Glory is the FREE unofficial match-day program. Click here to access your copy. (Desktop version only available at the moment).
NB: This isn't the match-day blog. As usual Captain Morgan will have his blog up on Friday.
Replies
I really like the look of our second row, I think they can do a lot of damage.
Just a shame Kenny Edwards isn't in there too.
Yep, you throw Kenny into that back-row and it's one of the most damaging in the NRL.
Gone for the season. May make it back for the finals but unlikely.
Eels by 12
I really think we can win this. At home in front of a packed house, Manly side-tracked by internal goings-on in respect of their two best players, the Watmo factor and a good preparation. Parra by 8.
What if Foran threw a cutout pass and hit Semi on the chest who then runs 60m to score. Now that would be a highlight.
Umm are you saying Sandow and Norman are not part of the back line?
Semi Radradra is the only Eels back who will line up in the same position that he played in 2014
This game has gone to sh1t.
Back in MY day there were forwards and backs.
None of this pansy edge forwards, 1/2's, middle forwards and the rest of the pansy BS you lot carry on with.
Dammed if I will change now - If I say they are part of the backs - that means they are in the BACK BLOODY LINE.
Now back off before I get too excited and............................................WHOO_ EEEEEEEE - FOOTY TONIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next