Both sides were left licking their wounds after losses in Round 17 left them side by side in 12th and 13th on the premiership ladder.
In the Roosters' case injury was added to insult with Angus Crichton (knee), Egan Butcher (head knock), Jake Turpin (ribs) forced off during the loss to Canberra and Nat Butcher (ankle) and Sitili Tupouniua (nerve pain) dropping out prior to kick-off.
The Sea Eagles found the going tough in enemy territory at AAMI Park without big guns Tom and Jake Trbojevic and flyer Jason Saab, eventually succumbing to the Storm 24-6, so they will appreciate a return to familiar surrounds at 4 Pines Park.
The last time the sides met at Manly's spiritual home it was the Roosters getting home 20-10 on the back of big games from James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou and Joey Manu, three vastly experienced players who will need to stand tall if the Tricolours are to secure a third away win for the season.
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Team News
Sea Eagles: The Sea Eagles are 1-17 with no late changes. Jake Trbojevic (calf), Jason Saab (shoulder), Kelma Tuilagi (facial fracture), Ben Trbojevic (hamstring) and Brad Parker (elbow) all set to return to action. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, Morgan Harper, Sean Keppie, Karl Lawton and Ben Condon make way.
Roosters: Nat Butcher has been added to the run on side an hour before kick-off with Naufahu Whyte going to the bench. Fletcher Baker drops out of the squad. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Billy Smith are both out after suffering head knocks in a collision at training on Saturday. Junior Pauga joins the squad on the wing, while Corey Allan comes in at centre. Jake Turpin (ribs) is set to start at hooker.
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Stat Attack
- The Sea Eagles have won four from six at 4 Pines Park in 2023.
- The Roosters have won six of their past eight games against the Sea Eagles.
- Sea Eagles fullback Reuben Garrick has scored 74 points in five games at 4 Pines Park in 2023.
- Roosters centre Joseph Manu will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has lost four of his past five games against Trent Robinson.
- The Roosters are averaging just 16.4 points per game after 17 rounds compared to 21.06 points per game at the same time last year.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the