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Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels

Sunday, March 5, 4pm (AEDT), Lottoland, Sydney

The Sea Eagles and Eels will round out Round 1 and it couldn’t come any quicker for the Eels after a disastrous 2016 campaign which culminated in the loss of 12 competition points for significant breaches of the salary cap. It’s a clean slate and The Wolf is expecting a torrid forwards battle especially if it’s a heavy track.
History
The Eels have had the wood on the Sea Eagles in recent years, winning the past 5 clashes between the sides and did the double in 2016. The Eels won the Round 7 clash at Lottoland by 22-10 and followed it up with a narrow 10-9 win in Round 22 at Parramatta.
Form
Manly were ousted in the quarter-finals of the Auckland Nines and probably overachieved in the trials with wins over South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters, where they posted 22-plus in both games. Parramatta were looking good in the Auckland Nines in reaching the semis but the loss of Corey Norman cost them advancement to the final. The Eels lost both trials – to Gold Coast and Penrith – in a disappointing February.
Key Matchup
Tom Trbojevic v Bevan French. Both of these fullbacks finally get their opportunities to shine in the No.1 jersey on a permanent basis. Trbojevic gets his chance after the retirement of Brett Stewart, while French will pull on the No.1 jersey after the departure of Michael Gordon to the Roosters.
Stats That Matter
Parramatta have won and covered three of their last four season openers while Manly have covered just 2 of their last 9 Round 1 games, losing their last two by margins of 30 and 22. The Sea Eagles have covered just 4 of their last 12 games at Brookvale and have covered just 1 of their last 4 at the ground when favoured by 4 or less. The over has hit in 6 of the last 8 day games at the ground. The Eels have covered 9 of their last 13 day games away from Parramatta Stadium. The Eels have covered 8 of their last 9 away from their suburban home ground when getting a start of 6 or less.
Final Thoughts
The Wolf can’t ignore the Eels recent record against the Sea Eagles and they definitely represent value as outsiders. Manly have lost plenty of experience in the likes of Brett Stewart, Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai and could be in for a rebuilding season.
How It’s Shaping Up
Eels by 4
Best BetParramatta +1.5 ($1.90)

Other Recommended Bets
Parramatta 1-12 ($3.30)

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