The Sea Eagles are aiming to bounce back from their recent loss to the Panthers as they prepare to face the Broncos at 4 Pines Park. Last week’s two-point defeat brought an end to Kieran Foran’s unbeaten start as coach, although the game did offer some encouraging signs.
Brisbane, meanwhile, are looking to recover from a tough loss against the Roosters, with Deine Mariner and Adam Reynolds adding to their injury list. Coach Michael Maguire will be seeking a strong start from his team on Saturday after a disappointing first half in their previous match.
Reece Walsh is set to continue after returning from a facial fracture. He faces a positional battle with Sea Eagles fullback Tolu Koula. Both are considered bright young talents with the ability to influence the game.
Sea Eagles Forced Into Changes
Manly have suffered a setback with halfback Jamal Fogarty ruled out for a second consecutive match due to a groin injury. Joey Walsh will take his place at halfback for the second week. According to coach Kieran Foran, the decision was made to give Jamal another week to recover fully. “[Jamal] won’t play,” Foran said. “He was pretty close but we felt it was best for Jamal to give him another week. He wasn’t quite 100%, they can be tricky these groin injuries, it’s only Round 10 so we don’t want to further injure him.”
Ethan Bullemor is slated to start in the front row, following Kobe Hetherington’s placement in the head knock protocol. Zach Dockar-Clay will join the bench due to Fogarty’s absence. Josh Feledy has dropped out of the squad.
Hunt’s Return Boosts Broncos
Ben Hunt has been cleared to play and will make an early return from a knee injury sustained in Round 5. He will start at halfback, with Tom Duffy moving to the interchange. This is a significant boost for the Broncos, who are missing Adam Reynolds, Deine Mariner and Kotoni Staggs through injury and suspension after their defeat to the Roosters.
Jesse Arthars is expected to replace Staggs in the centres, with Antonio Verhoeven coming onto the wing. Preston Riki is coming into the starting side and Ben Talty shifting back to the interchange. Josh Rogers and Kane Bradley have dropped out of the squad.
- Jamal Fogarty is out injured
- Ben Hunt returns early from injury
- Broncos have not won at 4 Pines Park since 2010
Josiah Karapani, who was monitored for an ankle injury, remains in the side and is expected to play on the wing.
The Broncos have not won at 4 Pines Park since 2010.