The Points That Count: Sea Eagles vs Titans

Author: Ricky Newell & Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Thu 27 Apr 2023, 02:20 PM

We take a look at the key points and numbers heading into Saturday’s round nine clash against the Gold Coast Titans, thanks to our Major Partner Pointsbet.

The NRL match kicks off at 4 Pines Park at 5.30pm. Tickets available here

700

The Sea Eagles will play their 700th first grade game at Brookvale this Saturday since the club first entered the premiership in 1947.

253

Saturday's game will mark 253 days since Kieran Foran played his last game for Manly. One of the club's favourite sons, 'Foz' played 196 games over two stints for the Sea Eagles, winning a premiership with the club in 2011.This time around, he returns for the Titans.

157

Despite leaving the field early last Sunday in the win over the Wests Tigers, Tom Trbojevic led the metres for the Sea Eagles with 157m from 15 runs. 'Turbo' is averaging a whopping 189m per game this year and is hoping to hit optimal form as the season progresses with his new running technique.

Reuben Garrick has scored 96 points in six games against the Titans. His best ever haul was in June 2021 when 'Gaz' scored four tries and kicked six goals for 28 points at Cbus Super Stadium.

Four for Gaz....Reuben Garrick had a memorable night out against the Titans in 2021. ©NRL Photos

Our hard-hitting forwards and reliable tackle makers in Jake Trbojevic and Lachlan Croker stood up as per usual against a tough Tigers side, with both players making 43 tackles!

Jake has now made 290 tackles this season to leave him within touching distance of the top 10 tackle stats in the NRL. Croker has made 202 tackles.

The number of minutes debutant Samuela Fainu played in his NRL debut against the Tigers at Campbelltown.

The young giant, who normally plays in the forwards/second-row, applied his trade in the centres to cover for an injured Brad Parker. Big 'Douzzaa' finished with 45 running metres, five tackles, and one tackle break.

Rip and tear...Samuela Fainu made a solid NRL debut for Manly. ©NRL Photos

Our biggest ever winning margin against the Titans, coming back in Round 6 of the 2021 season with a dominant 36-0 display. Doubles to wingers Reuben Garrick and Jason Saab along with a try each to Brad Parker and Tom Trbojevic sent the Titans packing in Mudgee.

The margin in Manly's biggest ever win at Brookvale over the Titans, a 38-4 victory in round 26, 2009.

The number of points the Titans let slip after getting out to a 26-0 lead after 28 minutes in their 28-26 loss to the Dolphins last Sunday. Leading 26-6 lead at half-time, the Titans were unable to hold on as the Dolphins dived their way back into the match in an incredible comeback.

The number of matches the Sea Eagles have played against the Titans, walking away victorious on 14 occasions.

The Sea Eagles are sitting pretty in second place on the NRL Telstra Premiership ladder with 11 points from four wins, two losses, a draw, and a bye.

The number of tries three Manly players have scored so far this season. Joining superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic on five tries last round against the Tigers were powerful back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu and captain Daly Cherry-Evans.

Off and running...Daly Cherry-Evans on his way to the line against the Tigers. ©NRL Photos

'Chez' has already matched his 2022 tally while Olakau’atu finds himself halfway there as he chases his total of 10 from last season.

The number five also relates to how many games the Titans have won in their past seven matches at 4 Pines Park.

The Sea Eagles will shoot for a third-straight win in Round 9 when they take on the Titans. Manly has also won three of their past four games against the Titans.

We know you love this stat...the number of wooden spoons the Sea Eagles have proudly never won since our inception in 1947.