KEY MANLY SEA EAGLES V CRONULLA SHARKS MATCH-UPS
* Brendan Elliot (Sea Eagles) v Josh Dugan (Sharks)
The battle of the back-ups. Elliot has been named in the No.1 as the replacement for Tom Trbojevic, however it remains to be seen if coach Des Hasler opts for Reuben Garrick as he did last week. Either way, they’ll be facing a former Kangaroos star in Dugan, who has filled in admirably for the injured Matt Moylan, and finished third in the league in tackle breaks this year, but first in errors.
* Moses Suli (Sea Eagles) v Bronson Xerri (Sharks)
Classic match-up of speed versus power. The 19-year-old Xerri has been a revelation in his rookie season, forming arguably the most lethal left-edge combination with in the league with Wade Graham. The Sharks will aim to make full use of Xerri’s speed against Suli, who, in turn, will look to take advantage of his 15-kilogram advantage to overpower his younger counterpart.
* Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) v Shaun Johnson (Sharks)
The clash of the million-dollar playmakers. Cherry-Evans has arguably been the best halfback of the season, with the Queensland and Kangaroos No.7 ranking first in 40-20s and third in try assists. On the opposite side is Johnson, who gets a chance to stick it to the Warriors after being deemed unfit to lead them to premiership glory and moved to the Shire. The New Zealand star hasn’t exactly been on the money though, particularly with his goalkicking.
* Tony Williams (Sea Eagles) v Andrew Fifita (Sharks)
With Aaron Woods and Matt Prior starting for most of the past month, the Sharks have enjoyed the luxury of bringing Fifita and his game-turning ability off the bench. His 52 offloads this year – third in the league – makes him a serious threat against what is expected to be an inexperienced Sea Eagles bench likely to include Tony Williams, who won’t have made an NRL appearance in 504 days, but was one of the most devastating edge runners in his prime.
* Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles) v Paul Gallen (Sharks)
The suspension to Martin Taupau means front-row partner Addin Fonua-Blake will be expected to shoulder much of the grunt work against a Sharks starting forward pack boasting four current or former NSW State of Origin stars including an extremely motivated Paul Gallen, and a New Zealand representative. There could be some fireworks early if Gallen leads an ambush on the Sea Eagles’ key prop.
