Pre-Game Manly V Storm [Round 5, 2025]

[Sea Eagle 4 Life]

They'll roll over us in the forwards. No momentum up front will leave no room for the backs to play freely. This will be a bash up. Purple scum by 16.

Didnt you also tip Doesntmatta last week?

 

[Ohgeez]

You reckon? He broke his hand less than two weeks ago

I thought he would also be 0 chance of playing but I don’t see why the would have named him in the 22 if he wasn’t a good chance. No reason to rush/risk anyone this early in the year, hopefully he is out or it could be ugly

 

[Pete W]

I would be bumping Navale onto the bench in place of Waddell, and swapping Sipley and Brown.

I think Navale is capable of stepping up. He's been playing very well in reserve grade, and arguably better than Sipley.

If Navale was to make the team, it would have to be in place of Brown, Jake, etc. He is a middle.

Waddell is cover for our outside backs, when Ben shifts to centre. (Otherwise we would lose Bully through the middle)

 

[eaglebuzz]

It will be a herculean effort to win this one, missing Turbo, Paseka and Aloiai softens us up quite a lot. I'd have felt more confident with Talau playing

 

[Wombat64]

Sipley to start for mine. BFB & Bull to effective coming on together before ht. Foward pack very light on.

I assume Talau has a fresh injury, as I’m sure his foot concern hasn’t kept him off since December.

An injury report from the club would be great for an update. Seems that the only player they report on is Turbo.

The lack info on injuries is frustrating

 

[Jethro]

MATCH OFFICIALS:

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Sea Eagles v Storm

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles versus Melbourne Storm match centre includes live scores and updates. Includes official live player and team stats. Run metres, fantasy points scoring.

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NRL TEAMS - 2025 Round 5 » League Unlimited

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[Phobia]

If Navale was to make the team, it would have to be in place of Brown, Jake, etc. He is a middle.

Waddell is cover for our outside backs, when Ben shifts to centre. (Otherwise we would lose Bully through the middle)

For me, Bullemor and Waddell are too similar in role and purpose. Waddell is like Aldi Bullemor to me. Sure, it's got leg speed, is cheaper, and can substitute in the middle or on an edge, but it's just not the same. Probably the hair.

I see Navale as quite the point of difference on the other hand. No one else in the pack is like him, besides possibly Tevaga; but he's playing as a hooker.

 

[Eagle 1]

The lack info on injuries is frustrating

It's now obvious that Talau's injury isn't hamstring tightness.

 

[ALinda]

This will be a bash up. Purple scum by 16.

And then some if Hughes plays.

 

[mickqld]

And then some if Hughes plays.

Hoping not.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Some of you lot are basing Manly on previous seasons of Manly.
This team is a different kettle of fish, my tip is Manly to win.*

*my qualifications: current outright second in Silvertails tipping comp

 

[LeonardCohen]

We've played well against Melbourne at Brookie over the years. However, we are usually the team that catches them on an off night after a winning streak, whereas this time, Saints got in a week early. They'll be switched on for this one and with our middle stocks depleted, it'll be tough going.

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

I never imagined myself saying this, but Aloiai is a loss.

Last week he did well to get needled up and come back into the game after the break, but I suspected he wouldn't be able to play this week. A bit like Paseka, he always seems to find an injury pretty much at the same time he's finding form.

 

[Stewbojevic]

Yea missing Paseka and Aloiai is a big hit to our middle. Tauk has been impressive so far but not sure who goes with him.

 

[Pete W]

For me, Bullemor and Waddell are too similar in role and purpose. Waddell is like Aldi Bullemor to me. Sure, it's got leg speed, is cheaper, and can substitute in the middle or on an edge, but it's just not the same. Probably the hair.

I see Navale as quite the point of difference on the other hand. No one else in the pack is like him, besides possibly Tevaga; but he's playing as a hooker.

100% agree that Navale should be in, but while Paseka and Aloiai are out, we can't afford to lose Bully to an edge with Ben also in the centres, thereby weakening not just our outside but also our middle, if one of our backs went down. Navale for Brown at this stage makes more sense, or even Tevaga (surely Simpkin can play 80)? I just think with our lack of depth in genuine edge forwards, coupled with our current injuries to our best middles, makes Waddell's experience and utility invaluable to us at this stage

 

[Pete W]

Yea missing Paseka and Aloiai is a big hit to our middle. Tauk has been impressive so far but not sure who goes with him.

If we are to have a chance, Sipley needs to have a blinder

 

[davohan123]

We've played well against Melbourne at Brookie over the years. However, we are usually the team that catches them on an off night after a winning streak, whereas this time, Saints got in a week early. They'll be switched on for this one and with our middle stocks depleted, it'll be tough going.

I want us to smash this mob hate the storm with a passion but we are getting them at the worse possible week. As you said very switched on they will be this week and I fear dragons have done us no favours.

You can't win them all.
We will put in a good showing but storm are my morals this weekend, by 8-12 margin.

 

[Uber Eagle 72]

Our first real test for the season. I mean high quality opposition as well as some injury adversity to contend with. Playing at home should be a big advantage for us.

 

[Eagle 1]

If we are to have a chance, Sipley needs to have a blinder

Agree, Sips usually puts in two forward of the match games every season, this needs to be the first of them.

 

[Eagle 1]

I want us to smash this mob hate the storm with a passion but we are getting them at the worse possible week. As you said very switched on they will be this week and I fear dragons have done us no favours.

You can't win them all.
We will put in a good showing but storm are my morals this weekend, by 8-12 margin.

We win this, and this will be up there with the Brookvale Manly classics. We need to channel our inner Battle of Brookie to beat the Scum on Sunday.