Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles Verdict
Manly dominated Melbourne not so long ago in Round 17 and are tipped to repeat that victory on neutral ground in Perth. Storm are all but out of the top eight race and this can have a free look to it with over 48.5 total points.
- Sea Eagles have won five of the last seven between the teams
- Sea Eagles have seen 60+ points in their last two games
- Storm have seen 54+ points in their last two games
- Storm have lost four of their last five games
- Tolu Koula scored vs Storm in R17 & has 1+ try in three of his last four games
- Moses Leo has scored eight tries in his last eight games
Head To Head
Manly have enjoyed success in this matchup recently, winning five of the last seven - including a dominant 30-4 triumph at Brookie in R17.
Melbourne Storm Form - All But Over
It's been a challenging season for the Storm on many fronts and they've seemingly run out of gas heading into the final month of campaign.
Melbourne appeared as if they could mount a late push for the finals having won four of their five games between Round 13-19, but three straight defeats have all but ended their season.
They've all been pretty closes losses too - a 14-6 defeat to the Roosters was followed by 28-26 and 36-22 scores against South Sydney and Canterbury.
The Storm were level 16-16 at half-time courtesy of a Moses Leo double, but only managed one try in the second half.
Manly Sea Eagles Form - Recovery Needed
The honeymoon period is well and truly over for Kieran Foran, with his side slumping to four consecutive defeats and tumbling outside of the top eight as a result.
Manly looked genuine premiership contenders in the months after Foran took charge, but that form has fallen off a cliff and now they look outsiders to even feature in the finals.
After three 1-12 defeats to the Eels, Cowboys and Titans, Manly were blown off the park with some bad old defensive habits creeping back into their game in a crushing 48-12 loss to Cronulla before last week's bye.
Team News
Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes remain sidelined for the Storm, but a big boost with Cameron Munster returning to partner rookie Hayden Watson in the halves.
Jack Howarth returns at centre and Davvy Moale comes onto the bench for Alec Macdonald, who is out with concussion.
Ben Trbojevic is also out with concussion for Manly, with Corey Waddell returning from injury in his place.
Blake Wilson comes into backline on the wing, with Koula moving to the centres.