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One of the great modern rivalries, there is usually drama when the Sea Eagles and Storm clash.

That was certainly the case in their first meeting last season when Manly won a golden point thriller 11-10 to announce their premiership claims.

Melbourne recorded a big win in the rematch, but Sea Eagles winger Jorge Taufua produced the main highlight by demolishing Cameron Munster with a trademark hit.

Reigning minor premiers the Storm are looking to continue their dominance despite losing some backline power, while Manly are expected to be among the top teams in 2020.

The Rundown

Team news

Sea Eagles: Manly will start the match 1-17 after Tofoafoa Sipley and Brendan Elliot were the last two players dropped from the squad. Jake Trbojevic and Addin Fonua-Blake will play despite off-season shoulder surgeries. Tom Trbojevic will return from the pec injury which cut short his 2019 season. Tevita Funa and Zac Saddler dropping off the extended bench on Saturday. 

Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona will play for the Storm after overcoming hamstring complaints. He will start from the bench, with Harry Grant joining Brenko Lee as the two players to be left out 60 minutes before kick-off. Tui Kamikamica will start in the front row. Ryley Jacks and Darryn Shconig were cut from the reserves list 24 hours before kick-off.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom Trbojevic
    Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan  Papenhuyzen
  • Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jorge Taufua
    Winger for Storm is number 2 Suliasi Vunivalu
  • Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Brad Parker
    Centre for Storm is number 3 Marion Seve
  • Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Mosese Suli
    Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
  • Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick
    Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
  • Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Dylan Walker
    Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
  • Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans
    Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes

Forwards

  • Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
    Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
  • Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Danny Levi
    Hooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron Smith
  • Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Martin Taupau
    Prop for Storm is number 10 Tui Kamikamica  
  • 2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Joel Thompson
    2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
  • 2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Curtis Sironen
    2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
  • Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic
    Lock for Storm is number 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange

  • Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Lachlan Croker
    Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
  • Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Sean Keppie
    Interchange for Storm is number 16 Max King
  • Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Morgan Boyle
    Interchange for Storm is number 17 Tom Eisenhuth
  • Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Haumole Olakau'atu
    Interchange for Storm is number 18 Nelson  Asofa-Solomona

Match Officials

  • Referee: Matt Cecchin
  • Referee: Jon Stone
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated:

Key match-up

Tom Trbojevic v Ryan Papenhuyzen. The fullbacks hold the key to their team’s attack at Lottoland. Trbojevic is on the comeback trail from injury while Papenhuyzen is coming off a breakout year at the back for the Storm and will be targeted a lot more by opposition sides in 2020.

For the Sea Eagles to win

Manly's selective offloading ability was a point of difference in their attack last year. Second-phase play could be what's needed to open up the notoriously tight Storm defence.

For the Storm to win

As always, the two Camerons – Smith and Munster – are integral to Melbourne's hopes. Their impact – or lack of – might be what decides the result.

Brett Kimmorley says

Manly are no longer flying under the radar after a wonderful 2019. The home ground advantage is big and I think they'll cause an upset thanks to a Des Hasler coaching masterclass. It's interesting how the Storm keep having to develop players and they lost a few again this year. They couldn't settle on a halfback last season, so I look forward to seeing who plays where for Melbourne and what style they employ in the opening weeks. Sea Eagles by 2.

Stat Attack

Daly Cherry-Evans was the NRL's top 40/20 kicker in 2019, finishing with five. The Storm were the leading team for kick return metres (5,876) and supports (3,631).

And another thing ...

There have been a series of closely-fought battles between these teams but Manly's 40-0 win over Melbourne back in 2008 broke the record for the biggest winning margin in a grand final. The rivalry between the teams is so big there is a dedicated to it (and for the "Battle of Brookvale").

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.