Manly Warringah Sea Eagles tackle old rivals the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in their final home game of the 2022 Telstra Premiership season on Saturday, August 20.
The Round 23 match kicks off at 5.30pm at 4 Pines Park with three grades being played on the day.
The Form
The Sea Eagles suffered their fourth straight loss with a 44-24 loss to the Gold Coast Titans last Sunday. Manly sit in in 10th place on 20 points and face the tough prospect of needing to win all three games and rely on results to go their way if the side is any hope of sneaking into the finals.
The Sharks are on a three-match winning streak following a 36-12 victory over the Wests Tigers last Saturday. Cronulla sit in third place on the ladder with 32 competition points and are looking to secure a top four finals berth.
Team Changes
The Sea Eagles have lost Jake Trbojevic (broken hand), Jason Saab (knee), Reuben Garrick (shoulder), and Andrew Davey (concussion) from last week's match against the Titans.
Tolu Koula moves to full-back, Alfred Smalley has come into the team onto the wing, with utility Dylan Walker playing lock.
Head-to-Head
The two clubs have clashed 95 times since the very first premiership match at Brookvale Oval in 1967, won by the Sea Eagles 39-5.
Of the 95 matches played, Manly has won 67, Cronulla 26, with two matches drawn.
The last clash at Brookvale was in 2019 when the Sea Eagles knocked Cronulla out of the finals race with a 28-16 win in the elimination qualifying final after Manly led 18-4 at half-time.
Farewell 'Foz'
Much-loved Manly Warringah Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran will run out onto the hallowed turf of Brookvale for the final time this Saturday.
Foran has enjoyed nine seasons at the Sea Eagles over two stints (2009-15 and 2021-22).
The respected clubman has gone on to play 193 games for the Sea Eagles for 116 victories, including winning a premiership in 2011.
Player Media: Kieran Foran
Quick Fire Attack
The Sea Eagles defence will need to be on song early given Cronulla are noted fast starters.
The Sharks have scored seven tries in the first 20 minutes of their past four matches through six different try scorers.
It’s a different story for Manly, who have only scored two tries in the first 20 minutes from their past four matches.
Since the Dragons match back in Round 19, three tries have come between the 20th and 30th minute, two tries in the 44th minute, two tries between the 60th and 70th minutes, and one try in the final 10 minutes.
Last Time We Met
The Sharks were 34-22 victors at Pointsbet Stadium in Round 7 this season. A dominant first half, a wrecking ball performance from centre Siosifa Talakai, saw the home aide lead 32-0 at half-time.
The Sea Eagles scored 22 points in the second half through tries to Christian Tuipulotu, Taniela Paseka, Lachlan Croker and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Match Day Information
Gates Open: 1.15pm
Jersey Flegg vs Sharks: 1.30pm
NSW Cup vs Newtown Jets: 3.15pm
NRL vs Sharks: 5.30pm
Tickets here
