Rd 3 PointsBet NRL Preview: Sea Eagles vs Eels
Another exciting chapter will be written in one of rugby league's great rivalries on Sunday, March 24, when the Sea Eagles do battle with the Parramatta Eels.
We take a look at some of the key moments for the Sea Eagles leading into the round three Telstra Premiership match at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta. Kick-off 4.05pm.
Team changes
Powerful winger Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega has been named to start for the injured Tommy Talau (ankle).
Century for Taniela
It will be a special occasion for Taniela Paseka and his family when the hard working prop plays his 100th NRL game after making his first grade debut for Manly in April, 2018.
Paseka has started the season in fine style, averaging 141 metres and 135 post contact metres against Souths and the Sydney Roosters.
"The more games you play, the more you understand it. You start to realise what your strengths and weaknesses are. I've found my strength and it's about building on that every week,'' Paseka said this week
50 games for Josh
Sharing in the special occasion for Paseka will be his front row partner Josh Aloiai, who brings up 50 games for Manly this weekend.
Both men have been dynamic up front in Manly's two wins and will be looking to maintain their rage against big Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo.
As they say, forwards win matches, so this front-row battle will be a beauty.
O Captain! My Captain!
Look out for another big game from brilliant Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans in what has been a special personal milestone week for the Sea Eagles captain.
Cherry-Evans became Manly's most capped captain to now sit on top of a list featuring premiership winning captains Jamie Lyon, Geoff Toovey, Fred Jones and Bob Fulton.
"Looking at the list of the other captains who have been long standing, I just feel so lucky to be in the presence of those guys,'' Cherry-Evans said.
"It's a really nice moment and something that I am proud of."
Cherry-Evans also entered the record books for the most field goals in the NRL era since 1998 after landing his 27th field goal in Sunday's win over the Roosters.
Stat Attack
- The Eels have won three of their past four games against Manly
- Manly winger Jaxson Paulo has scored seven tries in six games against the Eels
- The Eels have won eight of their past 10 games at CommBank Stadium
- Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick requires 14 points to bring up 1,000 points for the club
- Reagan Campbell-Gillard will make his 200th NRL appearance
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
