Despite pulling the graveyard timeslot, this match sets up to be one of the most pivotal of the weekend regarding top 8 positions, with the Dragons playing host to the Sea Eagles at Kogarah. The Dragons currently occupy 11th place on the ladder, however with games coming up against the Cowboys (H), Sharks (A) and Raiders (A), a loss here could all but end the season for the Red V.
On the other end of the equation, the Sea Eagles currently sit in 8th position, sitting 2 points clear of 9th through 11th, and 2 points behind 7th. They have some tough fixtures coming up as well, with the Roosters, Eels and Sharks all set to visit 4 Pines Park in the coming 5 rounds. A loss here, whilst not as devastating as it would be for the Dragons, will still be quite detrimental to the Sea Eagles season.
As always, stay tuned throughout the 2022 NRL season to get the best betting value when taking on the bookies, with our NRL Tips page previewing all the NRL matches in 2022.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Friday 22nd July, 6:00pm (AEST)
Squads
St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Cody Ramsey 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Mbye 4. Zac Lomax 5. Tautau Moga 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jack de Belin 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack Bird. INTERCHANGE: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Tariq Sims 16. Francis Molo 17. Josh Mcguire. RESERVES: 18. Aaron Woods 19. Michael Molo 20. Tyrell Sloan 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Max Feagai
Manly Sea Eagles
1. Reuben Garrick 2. Jason Saab 3. Morgan Harper 4. Tolutau Koula 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Sean Keppie 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Andrew Davey 13. Toafofoa Sipley. INTERCHANGE: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Josh Schuster 16. Martin Taupau 17. Taniela Paseka. RESERVES: 18. Ben Trbojevic 19. Kurt De Luis 20. Ethan Bullemor 21. Kaeo Weekes 22. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega
Match Preview
The Sea Eagles come into this contest on the back of 2 straight wins, beating the Storm prior to their bye 36-30, then spanking the Knights last week 42-12. The Dragons on the other hand are coming off 2 losses, in round 17 against the Baby Broncos and last week in a 54-26 thrashing at the hands of the Roosters.
The Sea Eagles appear to be playing the best football they’ve played all year, despite missing Tom Trbojevic. Things get harder again this week, with the loss of brother Jake Trbojevic (Covid). Jake is a huge piece to the Sea Eagles puzzle, and his loss will be key to the Sea Eagles, particularly defensively.
Luckily for Manly, there appears to be plenty of issues at the Dragons, and they are limping towards another season without making the Finals. There is talk of Anthony Griffin being under pressure, as well as several big names at the club on the way out. Their second half performance last week was concerning, and if they let the Sea Eagles loose, they could concede another big score.
Whilst these teams are only 2 points apart on the ladder, statistically the Sea Eagles are a far better side across the park. With both sides middle of the road type defensive units, it is in attack where the Sea Eagles have a real advantage over the Dragons, and I anticipate it to continue on Friday night.
The total opened at 42.5 and has been bet down with the anticipated rain. Given the likely conditions and my penchant towards unders on early Friday games, I do like the under, however prefer to take the Sea Eagles in this one.
Alternate Bets:
Under 42.5 ($1.91)
Garrick Anytime Tryscorer ($2.35)
Sea Eagles -2.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
