This corresponding game last season caused huge controversy and was dubbed by some as "Battle of Brookvale ", and the Brookie crowd will be baying for blood again. It seemed to galvanise the Manly club who then, as history records went on to record a magnificent premiership win. After an horrendous off-season highlighted by the loss of long term coach Des Hasler and many boardroom battles, along with a dusty start to the season, winning the World Cup challenge but dropping 3 of their first 5 premiership games, the Sea Eagles have gone from strength to strength under new coach Geoff Toovey winning 9 from their last 10 games the only blemish being an unlucky golden point loss to Brisbane @ Suncorp in round 10. The Sea Eagles have really honed their attacking flair this year being the 2nd to the Tigers in try scoring and have their back-line is firing on all 8 cylinders. Superbly directed by DCE and Keiren Foran the Manly backs have set a high standard and swept all before them in recent times with captain Jamie Lyon showing career best form. Melbourne on the other hand will be ruing their last minute loss at home to the Tigers last week but will be desperate to get back to the winners circle. Strap yourself in, it could be a bumpy ride. Expect an epic. Manly by 6.
