It’s the mouthwatering season opener Manly Warringah Sea Eagles fans have been waiting for with much excitement and anticipation.
We take a look at Saturday afternoon's blockbuster match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park.
The Sea Eagles have won seven of their past eight games against the Bulldogs.
The ‘Turbo’ is ready
Tom Trbojevic is ready and raring to go for his first NRL game since last May. With a new found confidence and determination after working with world renowned reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles, look out for a big impact from ‘Turbo’ who has scored seven tries in his past three games against the Bulldogs.
A new beginning
From heavy beach training sessions, humid conditions, to a punishing army camp, the Sea Eagles have worked extremely hard over the pre-season in readiness for the 2023 season.
New Coach Anthony Seibold has united the players and brought a real sense of belonging amongst the group in a fresh, new beginning for the Sea Eagles.
It's an exciting time, Manly fans. Let’s go!
Dynamic duo!
Look out for new hard running back-rower Kelma Tuilagi to impress in his Club debut for the Sea Eagles.
The former Wests Tigers back-rower is loving life at Manly and playing alongside Haumole Olakau'atu, who will play his 50th NRL game against the Bulldogs.
What a damaging back row combination they are shaping up to be for Manly in 2023.
Garrick's great record
Since making his NRL debut, Reuben Garrick remains undefeated in five matches against Canterbury.
'Gaz' has scored 76 points (six tries and 26 goals) against the Bulldogs. Thirty of those points came in the 66-0 win in 2021, where he scored two tries and kicked 11 from 11.
He also needs just 12 more points to reach 800 points in the NRL.
Cooper comes 'home'
Cooper Johns will also make his Club debut for the Sea Eagles after starting his career in the junior ranks.
Johns played his junior football with the Narraweena Hawks in the Manly District Junior Rugby League before graduating through the Sea Eagles’ Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup teams.
He captained the SG Ball Cup side in 2017 before going on to play 11 NRL games for Melbourne Storm.
Time to break it!
The Sea Eagles have not won an opening round match since taking care of the Brisbane Broncos in 2013 at Suncorp Stadium.
It's time to break that unwanted record, Manly supporters. Be loud and vocal as you show your support for the boys in front of a huge home crowd at 'the Fortress'.
There has been a huge demand for tickets, so get in quick. Buy here
Biggest winning margins against opposition
Sea Eagles 66: 66-0, Rd 16, 2021, Bankwest Stadium
Bulldogs 32: 56-24, Rd 23, 2003, Brookvale Oval
Winning history between clubs at 4 Pines Park
Manly 59.91%, Bulldogs 47.37%
Match Day Details
10.45am: Ken Arthurson Gates open
11am: Rd 1 Jersey Flegg Cup: Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs
12.40pm: Rd 1 NSW Cup: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs
3pm: NRL: Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs
6.30pm-7pm: Sea Eagles signing session, Manly Leagues Club. Players subject to injury.
