Rugbyleaguelive.com | 11/07/09 | 0
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v MANLY SEA EAGLES
Sunday 12th July, 3.00pm
WIN Stadium
Referees: Gavin Badger, Ashley Klein
HEAD TO HEAD
Dragons 9 wins, Sea Eagles 4 wins
FORM GUIDE
Dragons: LWWWWLWWLWWWLWBWW
Sea Eagles: LLLLWWLLWWLBWWWBW
A massive clash between two of the form teams of the competition – the league-leaders and the minor premiers.
It’s a little disappointing then that the game will be missing seven Origin stars, plus injured NSW players Michael Weyman and Brett Stewart.
Another injured Origin gun – Manly’s Jamie Lyon – could make a surprise comeback from injury despite being ruled out of next week’s State of Origin game three.
The Sea Eagles will be desperate for Lyon to play, with Josh Perry, Glenn Stewart, David Williams and Anthony Watmough all away on Origin duty.
The Dragons – who are without Darius Boyd, Neville Costigan and Justin Poore – have won six of their last seven and should start favourites here.
KEY MATCH UPS
Ben Hornby v Matt Orford
The two skippers and halfbacks will, as always, be crucial to their side’s chances – particularly without their Origin stars laying the platform up front.
Hornby has had a great season, despite being overshadowed by halves partner Jamie Soward. While Soward takes on most of the kicking duty (he leads the NRL for kicks in play this year), Hornby’s passing game has been invaluable for the high-flying Dragons.
He has regularly put teammates through holes in the defence with 13-line break assists, and has crossed for eight tries himself – more than any other halfback.
Orford’s kicking game proved vital last week – his sharp field-goal gave Manly the edge over the Bulldogs – and he will be keen for a repeat performance against the competition favourites.
PUNTERS GUIDE
Head to head: Dragons $1.45; Sea Eagles $2.65
Origin has hurt Manly harder than the Dragons, and St George Illawarra has already proved this year they can win without a few big guns.
Soward and Hornby have been in great touch pulling the strings for St George Illawarra, and they should get the job done at home. Dragons by 8.
CASUALTY WARD
Dragons: Jeremy Smith – ankle (Rnd 20), Mickey Paea – virus (Rnd 20), Matt Prior – virus (Rnd 20), Michael Weyman – ankle (Rnd 23)
Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart – knee (Rnd 24), Jamie Lyon – ankle (indefinite)
BAD BOYS
Dragons: -
Sea Eagles: Heath L’Estrange – suspended (Rnd 21)
TEAM LISTS
DRAGONS: Jason Nightingale, Brett Morris, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Wendell Sailor, Jamie Soward, Ben Hornby (capt), Dan Hunt, Luke Priddis, Jon Green, Jarrod Saffy, Beau Scott, Dean Young Interchange: Trent Merrin, Nick Emmett, Michael Lett, Nathan Fien, Mathew Head. (One to be omitted)
SEA EAGLES: Michael Robertson, Andrew Suniula, Ben Farrar, Steve Matai, Tony Williams, Chris Bailey, Matt Orford (capt), Jason King, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Shane Rodney, Adam Cuthbertson, Glenn Hall. Interchange: Heath L'Estrange, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, George Rose, Vic Mauro, Kieran Foran. (One to be omitted).
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