Manly Sea Eagles vs Cronulla Sharks

Manly were dealt a blow on the eve of last week’s match against Sydney Roosters when fullback and attacking spearhead Brett Stewart was ruled out.

In an absorbing physical game that saw Manly lose 4 – 0, the absence of Stewart and his flashes of brilliance was telling.
Early this week reports out of Manly were that Stewart will take his spot in this week’s match and, with the likelihood of tight encounter, he’s inclusion will be vital for the Sea Eagles.
Manly were at their best three weeks ago when accounting for the Storm in round 25 at Brookvale, 28 – 8.
A repeat performance of that effort (where Stewart crossed for two tries) sees them clearly win this clash however; last week’s game would’ve taken a lot out of their tanks. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see where the Sharks direct their attack.
Speaking of the Sharks, they snuck through their final last week in controversially circumstances over the Cowboys 20 – 18.
It was Cronulla’s fourth win in their past five weeks which includes a win over Sydney Roosters in round 24.
The worrying detail for the Sharks is the hamstring of five-eighth, Todd Carney.
Carney was clearly impeded by this niggling injury in last week’s game and if not able to take is spot in the team, his absence will have significant impact on the Shark’s attacking and kicking game.
Manly have won five of their past six against Cronulla but on four of those occasions, including the three most recent matches, no more than seven points has separated the two times on the siren.
Cronulla will be best served taking on Manly up front. They have the size to and playing an expensive game will only play into the hands of Manly’s backline.
Given the recent record between the two, the 9.5 start given to Cronulla is attractive – with Carney in the side.
Without him – and even if he does make the run on team he can’t be 100% – Cronulla’s chances fall away significantly.