Match Preview: NRL Round 25 vs Sea Eagles

Benji’s boys go into this match with a spring in their step after a narrow and gritty win over the Rabbitohs last Sunday, while the Sea Eagles sit sixth on the ladder after winning five of their last six games, including a last start 24-10 win over the Warriors.

There is some added interest in this game with Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks returning to Leichhardt to face his former side for the first time since shifting to the Northern Beaches.

While the Sea Eagles hold a dominant head-to-head record against Wests Tigers, winning 22 of the 36 matches between these sides, it’s a different story at Leichhardt Oval.

Of the nine games played at the’ eighth wonder’, Wests Tigers have won seven.

In team news, a there are a few changes to the backline for the home side.

Junior Tupou will play his first NRL game since Round 7, replacing Adam Doueihi in the centres, while Solomon Alaimalo replaces Luke Laulilii (HIA Protocol) on the wing.

Latu Fainu is also added the side and will wear the No.14 jersey against his former club.

For Manly, former Wests Tigers centre Tommy Talau will miss the game after suffering a pectoral injury against the Warriors with Tolu Koula moving into the starting side. Karl Lawton drops out of the squad with Ben Trbojevic going into the second row and Corey Waddell added to the interchange.

Fast Facts:

• Wests Tigers have won their past four games against the Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval.
• The Sea Eagles have won their past six games against Wests Tigers.
• Wests Tigers hooker Aoi Koroisau has scored five tries in seven games at Leichhardt Oval.
• Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans has scored 11 tries in his last 11 games against the Tigers.
• Wests Tigers have lost their last nine games against current top eight teams.