5:36pm: What better way to round off a picture perfect Sydney Sunday than two top sides going at it at one of the storied homes of rugby league.
Ideal conditions with the temp hovering around 20, a fresh southerly blowing in and no wet stuff falling from the sky for a change.
4:47pm: MANLY v NEWCASTLE
Sunday March 17, Brookvale Oval
Kick-Off 6.30pm
Match Preview
A blockbuster Sunday evening game is expected after the Sea Eagles and Knights racked up impressive wins in round 1.
Fortress Brookvale has been just that for Manly, and they will be looking to put on a show for the faithful in their first home game this season. A win could lift the Sea Eagles above the Storm into an early lead on the ladder.
But the Knights have tasted success on the peninsula, winning two of their past five visits to Brookie.
The Sea Eagles’ Steve Matai and Newcastle’s Dane Gagai and Akuila Uate are in frightening form, all scoring multiple tries in round 1.
The forwards clash promises to be a brutal encounter, despite Manly missing Glenn Stewart and Jason King.
A key match-up will be in the halves with the kicking games of Daly Cherry-Evans and Jarrod Mullen pivotal for their respective sides. Whoever gets the upper hand could hold the key to this clash.
Ironically, Knights legend Andrew Johns could have a say in this battle – for the Sea Eagles. Johns has been working with Cherry-Evans, who credits his coaching for his standout performance against the Broncos last week.
And don't forget Brett Stewart v Darius Boyd in the backs. There's class right across the park on both sides.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey has named an unchanged line-up to the squad that got the job done in Brisbane, adding new recruit Tom Symonds (ex-Roosters) to the extended bench.
Wayne Bennett has also named an unchanged 17 with David Fa’alogo the 18th man.
Last time they met...
Round 24, 2012: Manly 42–20 Newcastle at Brookvale Oval
Round 19, 2012: Newcastle 32–6 Manly at Hunter Stadium
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