Both teams come into their Round 12 match off the back of strong wins, but both will also be without their halfbacks and captains who are on Origin duty.
Parramatta skipper and Blues Game One five-eighth Mitchell Moses has been a key figure for his side since his injury return in Round 7, while much of the attack for Manly comes off the back of the kicking game of Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
The Eels will also be without attacking threat Zac Lomax who has also earned a recall for NSW.
Their absence sets up an interesting encounter to see which team can best adapt their playing style as they aim to post back-to-back wins.
The Sea Eagles soared against the Cowboys last round, showcasing their speed out wide in a number of their tries, while the Eels outclassed the Knights, with both Lomax and Moses amongst the scorers.
Match: Eels v Sea Eagles
Round 12 -
home Team
Eels
15th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
10th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Eels: Luca Moretti will start the game and Kelma Tuilagi goes to the bench in a late switch while Joash Papalii has joined the interchange in place of Matt Doorey, who drops to 18th man. Dean Hawkins comes in for his fifth NRL game of the season at halfback while Sean Russell moves to the wing and Jordan Samrani starts in the centres with Zac Lomax and Mitch Moses in Origin camp. Prop Junior Paulo makes his 250th NRL appearance.
Sea Eagles: Back-rower Ben Trbojevic dropped out on Friday due to illness with Corey Waddell moving into the starting side and Caleb Navale joining the bench. Jake Arthur steers the ship in the absence of Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans, while Jazz Tevaga shifts to lock in place of Jake Trbojevic (concussion). Hooker Lachlan Croker makes his return from a knee injury on the bench while veteran prop Matt Lodge has been named on the interchange for his first NRL game since last year's semi-final. NSW Blues squad member Haumole Olakau'atu will be released to play for the Sea Eagles. Star fullback Tom Trbojevic will captain the side for just the second time.
Match: Eels v Sea Eagles
Round 12 -
home Team
Eels
away Team
Sea Eagles
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah IongiFullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom Trbojevic
-
Winger for Eels is number 2 Sean RussellWinger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab
-
Centre for Eels is number 3 Will PenisiniCentre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Tolutau Koula
-
Centre for Eels is number 4 Jordan SamraniCentre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Reuben Garrick
-
Winger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Lehi Hopoate
-
Five-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Dylan BrownFive-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Luke Brooks
-
Halfback for Eels is number 7 Dean HawkinsHalfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Jake Arthur
Forwards
-
Prop for Eels is number 8 Jack WilliamsProp for Sea Eagles is number 8 Ethan Bullemor
-
Hooker for Eels is number 9 Ryley SmithHooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Jake Simpkin
-
Prop for Eels is number 10 Junior PauloProp for Sea Eagles is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
-
2nd Row for Eels is number 15 Luca Moretti2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 15 Corey Waddell
-
Lock for Eels is number 13 J'maine HopgoodLock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
-
Interchange for Eels is number 11 Kelma TuilagiInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Lachlan Croker
-
Interchange for Eels is number 14 Dylan WalkerInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Nathan Brown
-
Interchange for Eels is number 16 Ryan MattersonInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Matthew Lodge
-
Interchange for Eels is number 18 Joash PapaliiInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 22 Caleb Navale
Reserves
-
Reserve for Eels is number 17 Matt DooreyReserve for Sea Eagles is number 18 Clayton Faulalo
Match Officials
- Referee: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won five of their six games against the Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium.
- Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick has scored 13 tries in 13 games against the Eels.
- Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored seven tries in his last seven games at CommBank Stadium.
- Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has scored four tries in his last four games at CommBank Stadium.
- Eels prop Junior Paulo will make his 250th NRL appearance.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services,
