Rd 3 :: Sea Eagles teams this weekend

[ERNIE FOR NO7]

Whare is finally back.

Last week they were without Lodge, Whare, Lussick and Cunningham was nrl 18th man and only played 20 mins. The night before the game Manly were ringing Belrose to borrow players.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

NEWCASTLE fullback Kurt Gidley virtually ruled himself out of Sunday's clash with Manly at Brookvale Oval last night despite being named by the Knights to make a return from a back injury against the Sea Eagles.

The Knightsskipper missed his side's win over North Queensland last weekend and has officially been given until tomorrow to prove his fitness.

But he is already resigned to pulling out.

Gidley revealed yesterday he has been told by club doctor Neil Halpin not to play and doesn't see that changing.

"The back feels a lot better than it was this time last week but it is still sore,''Gidley said. "I'd love to play down there. It's been a fair while since I've played at Brookvale and it's always a great atmosphere .


"But Neil's basically already said I'm not playing and thinks I'm going to need a bit more time to get it 100 percent.

"I don't want to come back early and then be out the following week with it.''

Coach Rick Stone is certain to retain Shannon McDonnell at fullback in Gidley's absence.

It wasn't all bad news for the unbeaten Knights yesterday.

In-form halfback Jarrod Mullen's bruised sternum has improved faster than expected and he is now considered in no doubt for the Manly game.

Mullen was expected to rest early this week to give himself the best chance of over-coming the injury but did some light training with the squad yesterday and is certain to play.

Defying the odds, the Knights currently sit on top of the premiership ladder and are one of only three unbeaten teams in the competition along with Melbourne and Canterbury.

Gidley is not surprised at his side's good start.

"Everyone is doing their bit and pitching in and we've got some depth to cover injuries this season,''Gidley said.

"It was a really good win up in Townsville.''

..........................................................................................


MANLY SEA EAGLES v NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS at Brookvale Oval, 3pm

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Will Hopoate, Tony Williams, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jason King (capt), Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Joe Galuvao, Glenn Stewart: Interchange: Terence Seuseu, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Vic Mauro, Tim Robinson (one to be omitted).

Ins: Jason King, Glenn Stewart
Outs: Daniel Harrison (dropped)
Other injuries/suspensions: Jamie Lyon (hamstring, round 6), Steve Matai (suspension, round 5), Shane Rodney (shoulder, round 8 )
Comment: Jamie Buhrer must surely come into cheapie calculations after two very solid showings. Daly Cherry-Evans, Vic Mauro and Tim Robinson (next week) are also possible cash cows. Glenn Stewart (arm), Tony Williams (ankle) and David Williams (back) will be monitored during the week, while Jason King returns from suspension.

KNIGHTS: Kurt Gidley (capt), James McManus, Tafeaga Junior Sa’u, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Beau Henry, Jarrod Mullen, Antonio Kaufusi, Matt Hilder, Evarn Tuimavave, Zeb Taia, Cameron Ciraldo, Chris Houston. Interchange: Ben Rogers, Cory Paterson, Lisiate Richie Fa’aoso, Dan Tolar.

Ins: Kurt Gidley, Joel Edwards
Outs: Shannon McDonnell (dropped)
Other injuries/suspensions: Isaac De Gois (thumb, round 6), Neville Costigan (broken arm, round 14), Mark Taufua (finger, round 4), Adam MacDougall (death of father, round 4)

Comment: Returning captain Kurt Gidley (back) will face a fitness test later in the week, while coach Ricky Stone considers Jarrod Mullen (sternum) a “certainty”. Plenty of Knights will see huge rises after this week, including Junior Sa’u, Beau Henry, Jarrod Mullen, Chris Houston and Richie Fa’aoso.

 

[ManlyBacker]

Date: Sun March 27 2011, 3:00PM AEDT GMT+11 [Sun March 27 2011, 4:00AM GMT]
Referee: Shayne Hayne

Predictions:
Matthew O'Neill: Sea Eagles by 10


OVERALL:
Total Games: 38
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles wins: 22. [Pts: 821]
Newcastle Knights wins: 16. [Pts: 700]
Draws: 0

Biggest wins:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 38 pts: 2004 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 23 - [View] Sun Aug 15: Sea Eagles 48 d. Knights 10 [Crowd: 10028]
Newcastle Knights: 44 pts: 2004 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Sun Jun 27: Knights 56 d. Sea Eagles 12 [Crowd: 17967]

Biggest Crowd: 1999 National Rugby League - Round 1 - [View] Sat Mar 6: Knights 41 d. Sea Eagles 18 [Crowd: 104583]

Last 50 games against each other form line (most recent matches at end of line):
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: WWLWWLLLWWWWWWWWWWWLLLLLLWWLLWLWLWLWWL
Newcastle Knights: LLWLLWWWLLLLLLLLLLLWWWWWWLLWWLWLWLWLLW

Last 10 games:
2010 National Rugby League - Round 21 - [View] Mon: Newcastle Knights 32 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 14 [Crowd: 14267]
2010 National Rugby League - Round 3 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 36 d. Newcastle Knights 12 [Crowd: 12138]
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 20 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 44 d. Newcastle Knights 20 [Crowd: 15857]
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 4 - [View] Sun: Newcastle Knights 26 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 12 [Crowd: 15324]
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 28 d. Newcastle Knights 12 [Crowd: 13798]
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 2 - [View] Sat: Newcastle Knights 13 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 12 [Crowd: 18117]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 22 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 50 d. Newcastle Knights 16 [Crowd: 17122]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Finals Week One - [View] Fri: Newcastle Knights 25 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 18 [Crowd: 23572]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 23 - [View] Fri: Knights 14 l. Sea Eagles 16 [Crowd: 25105]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 17 - [View] Fri: Sea Eagles 12 l. Knights 26 [Crowd: 13284]

Overall record at Brookvale Oval, Brookvale, Sydney (NSW) Stats:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 584 games, won 407, drawn 14, lost 163.
Last 5 games:
2010 National Rugby League - Round 26 - [View] Sun: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 24 l. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30
2010 National Rugby League - Round 24 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 19 d. New Zealand Warriors 16
2010 National Rugby League - Round 22 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 26 d. Melbourne Storm 6
2010 National Rugby League - Round 18 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22 l. Canberra Raiders 24
2010 National Rugby League - Round 15 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 26 d. South Sydney Rabbitohs 25

Newcastle Knights: 13 games, won 2, drawn 0, lost 11.
Last 5 games:
2010 National Rugby League - Round 3 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 36 d. Newcastle Knights 12
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 22 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 50 d. Newcastle Knights 16
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 17 - [View] Fri: Sea Eagles 12 l. Knights 26
2005 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 15 - [View] Sun: Sea Eagles 48 d. Knights 26
2004 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 23 - [View] Sun Aug 15: Sea Eagles 48 d. Knights 10

Head to Head at Brookvale Oval, Brookvale, Sydney (NSW) Stats:
Total Games: 13
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles wins: 11. [Pts: 408]
Newcastle Knights wins: 2. [Pts: 216]
Draws: 0

Last 5 games:
2010 National Rugby League - Round 3 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 36 d. Newcastle Knights 12 [Crowd: 12138]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 22 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 50 d. Newcastle Knights 16 [Crowd: 17122]
2006 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 17 - [View] Fri: Sea Eagles 12 l. Knights 26 [Crowd: 13284]
2005 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 15 - [View] Sun: Sea Eagles 48 d. Knights 26 [Crowd: 13685]
2004 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 23 - [View] Sun Aug 15: Sea Eagles 48 d. Knights 10 [Crowd: 10028]

Overall record with Shayne Hayne Stats:
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 33 games, won 22, drawn 0, lost 11.
Last 5 games:
2010 National Rugby League - Round 26 - [View] Sun: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 24 l. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 30
2010 National Rugby League - Round 23 - [View] Mon: St George Illawarra Dragons 32 d. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 10
2010 National Rugby League - Round 20 - [View] Sun: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 38 d. Wests Tigers 20
2010 National Rugby League - Round 15 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 26 d. South Sydney Rabbitohs 25
2010 National Rugby League - Round 9 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 24 d. St George Illawarra Dragons 6

Newcastle Knights: 22 games, won 12, drawn 0, lost 10.
Last 5 games:
2010 National Rugby League - Round 25 - [View] Sat: Newcastle Knights 18 l. St George Illawarra Dragons 26
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 22 - [View] Sun: Parramatta Eels 40 d. Newcastle Knights 8
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 17 - [View] Sat: Melbourne Storm 18 d. Newcastle Knights 14
2009 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Mon: Newcastle Knights 25 d. South Sydney Rabbitohs 20
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 25 - [View] Sat: Newcastle Knights 17 d. Melbourne Storm 16

Head to Head with Shayne Hayne Stats:
Total Games: 2
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles wins: 2.
Newcastle Knights wins: 0.
Draws: 0

Last 5 games:
2008 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 16 - [View] Sat: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 28 d. Newcastle Knights 12 [Crowd: 13798]
2007 NRL Telstra Premiership - Round 22 - [View] Fri: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 50 d. Newcastle Knights 16 [Crowd: 17122]

http://www.rleague.com/db/year/2011/national_rugby_league//round_3_teams.php

 

[SwornEagle]

MB - Where did you get those stats from mate?

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

www.rleague.com

there is these
http://www.nrlstats.com/

http://stats.rleague.com/rl/rl_index.html

http://www.rl1908.com/NRL-Statistics.htm

 

[Masked Eagle]

Gidley being out doesn't worry me one way or the other.  I've been really impressed with Mullen so far this year.  Consistency has always been a bit of a problem so after two very good games, hopefully that means he's due for a poor one.

 

[ManlyBacker]

MB - Where did you get those stats from mate?

I have the url at the bottom of the post! Covers all games for the round.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Sea Eagles v Knights
Brookvale Oval
Sunday 3pm

He’s baaaaaack! Brett Stewart returns to Brookvale for the first time since April 2009 to headline what should be a banner match against the currently unbeaten and table-topping surprise packets, the Newcastle Knights.

After two seasons lost to injury and the extra emotional burden of his court case, Stewart finally gets to return home to thank the Manly faithful who stuck by him.

And with 98 NRL tries currently to his name, one gets the feeling there could be a fairytale script waiting to play out.
They might not be right around the corner from each other but these two teams treat these matches like local derbies. There is a genuine ‘hatred’ between the two stemming mainly from the halcyon days when the ‘Chief’ Paul Harragon and ‘Spud’ Mark Carroll went about trying to destroy each other on the field.

Recent encounters have been held up at Gosford at Bluetongue Stadium but this week the Sea Eagles return to ‘Fortress Brookie’, and on the back of a super-impressive comeback win over the Roosters.

When they fell to the Storm in week one, their fans could have been forgiven for thinking it might be a long season ahead but Manly bounced back strong and now look primed to continue an assault on the premiership.

Captain Jason King returns from a one-week suspension at prop, pushing George Rose to the bench. Brett’s brother Glenn Stewart also returns at lock, which sees Jamie Buhrer return to the bench and Daniel Harrison miss out.

For the Knights it has been a dream start with big wins over Penrith and the Cowboys, both away from home, catapulting them in first place. They face their third straight road trip, having named captain Kurt Gidley to return from a back injury at fullback – although he is in severe doubt and is likely to once again be replaced by Shannon McDonnell.

In the only other changes, Cameron Ciraldo has been named to start in the back row with Cory Paterson on the bench and Joel Edwards has been added as an 18th man.

The club has never won three successive away matches played back-to-back-to back.

Watch Out Sea Eagles: The Knights lead the NRL in line-breaks (16) because they haven’t been afraid to throw the ball around and create options. Granted the defence thrown up by the Panthers and Cowboys has been weak but they have still dominated what was in front of them. They also have a further six half-breaks in the opening two weeks.

Manly on the other hand have just six busts in their first two matches. Junior Sa’u has three line-breaks for the Knights, while Richie Fa’aoso, Cory Paterson and Akuila Uate have a pair each. Seven other players have made a break, showing the team can be dangerous everywhere.

Danger Sign: If the Knights get into the Manly backfield early in this match it could be a sign that once again they are going to be running freely.

Watch Out Knights: Brett Stewart has been waiting for this day a long time and if a movie script were written, this is the part where he dominates and wins the game for his club, brings up a century of tries for his career and finally puts all of the turmoil in his life behind him.

While the Knights have been great in attack, some defensive weaknesses have emerged, which will give Stewart full confidence he can crack them open. With just 81.7 per cent of Newcastle’s tackles deemed effective – the second-worst ratio in the NRL – it is clear that if the Knights have to tackle more, they may just struggle.

Stewart hasn’t fully tested his knee yet – he is running just 57 metres a match – but he does have two line-break assists and two try assists and has supported the ball carrier 10 times, his old forte.

Danger Sign: Stewart lurking around the middle of the ruck waiting to burst onto an offload. One also wonders if Daly Cherry-Evans will do what Matt Orford used to so well – that is shape to kick wide, but instead kick back to the middle where Stewart patrols.

Plays To Watch: Cory Paterson’s sneaky offloads; Jarrod Mullen 40/20s (nabbed two last week); Beau Henry’s cheeky grubbers behind the line; Anthony Watmough charging on the left edge; Manly inside balls on the end of long backline shifts.

Where It Will Be Won: Much will depend on emotional control and composure. The Sea Eagles will be trying to feed off a packed house and the ‘do it for Brett’ mantra, but they must concentrate on the game at hand to actually get it done.

The Knights can go one of two ways mentally as well. They can be intimidated by all of the emotion and be swept up in it, or they can feed off it themselves and use the opportunity to steel themselves for a famous win. They will need to be very insularly focussed and not focus on the surroundings.

Away from the mental aspects, this game will be centred on players pushing up in support of the ball runner – an easy job to forget to do as a player but one that is crucial to success. The Sea Eagles lead the NRL with 116 support runs and the Knights aren’t far behind with 92. “So what?” you might ask… well, any good coach will tell you the more support runs you make, the closer you are to one of them turning into an actual receive and possible line bust. Plus, they also attract defenders your way, creating space in other areas. The team that goes with their mate, and goes often, will win here.

The History: Played 38; Sea Eagles 22, Knights 16. The Sea Eagles and Knights have split the past eight games four apiece, with the Knights winning the past match-up but Manly winning the two prior.

It’s been a long time since the two teams have met at Brookvale Oval, with Manly taking home matches against the Knights to Gosford for the past five years. It proved fruitful, as they won the past four matches in Gosford – but they also have a great record against the Knights at Brookie. Manly have won nine of 11 matches between the clubs at this venue – although the past three times they have played during daytime against all opponents here, they have fallen.

Newcastle have never won three consecutive away matches played in succession and only once in the past decade have they won their opening three matches of a season (2006).
Conclusion: The Knights lead the competition so they can’t be discounted. But history and everything else points towards a Manly win here.

Newcastle won’t mind, as they have knocked off two favourites already this season, but with Gidley likely missing again, Kieran Foran in blistering form (four tackle-breaks, a try and two glorious try-saving plays last week), and the probability the Eagles will defend better than the Panthers and Cowboys did, the smart play is to back the home side.

Match officials: Referees – Shayne Hayne & Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials – Jeff Younis & David Munro; Video Ref – Paul Simpkins.

 

[joeboy]

i keep hearing gift could still be in doubt? anyone got the insid word?

how bout t rex?

cant wait for brookie on sunday.. my first game there for ages!

 

[ManlyBacker]

The Newcastle Knights are breathing easier after in-form halfback Jarrod Mullen overcome a sternum injury to be named in the squad to take on arch rivals the Manly Sea Eagles this Sunday.

more @ http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/mullen-to-take-on-manly-116153

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

i keep hearing gift could still be in doubt? anyone got the insid word?

how bout t rex?

cant wait for brookie on sunday.. my first game there for ages!

Glenn Stewart WILL play, spoke to Lowey and Zorba on Monday

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http://resources.news.com.au/files/2011/03/24/1226027/723691-nrl-late-mail-25-03-11.pdf

 

[The Eagle]

bump