Parramatta Eels vs Manly Sea Eagles Verdict
Manly Sea Eagles are tipped to dominate this NRL Round 18 with Tom Trbojevic backed to score 2+ tries. The Eels have lost four of their last five matches and average just 13.8 points in that time - and they haven't got the firepower to trouble Manly.
- Four of the last five meetings have been decided by 14 points or more.
- Parramatta have averaged just 13.8 points across their last five matches.
- Manly have conceded only 13.8 points per game across their last five.
- Tom Trbojevic rates as the best value tryscoring play with 2+ tries.
Head to Head
Manly have won three of the last five meetings between the clubs, including a convincing 33-18 victory earlier this season.
More importantly for punters, four of those five clashes have been decided by at least 14 points, suggesting this fixture has regularly produced comfortable victories rather than close finishes.
Parramatta Eels Form - Eels Struggling
Parramatta have lost four of their last five matches and remain near the bottom of the ladder, averaging just 13.8 points per game during that period.
Their attack has lacked polish without sustained possession, and despite competing physically through the middle, they have struggled to convert opportunities into points.
Jonah Pezet returns for his first NRL appearance since Round 5 to replace Mitchell Moses, providing another organising option in the halves.
However, the Eels face one of the competition's more disciplined defensive teams and will need to significantly improve their execution if they are to keep pace.
Manly Sea Eagles Form - Momentum Building
Manly have won three of their last five matches and continue to build towards the finals behind one of the NRL's strongest defensive records.
They have conceded only 13.8 points per game over that stretch while allowing their experienced spine to control field position before capitalising on opposition mistakes.
The loss of Luke Brooks is significant, but Jamal Fogarty takes full control of the side, while Tom Trbojevic remains the focal point of the attack.
The returns of Reuben Garrick and Clayton Faulalo further strengthen a backline that already features Jason Saab, giving Manly plenty of strike despite missing Haumole Olakau'atu through Origin.