After losing two of their first three matches the Storm have found their mojo to knock off the Tigers, Rabbitohs and Roosters, looking more like their old selves with each passing week.
In contrast the Sea Eagles kicked off with wins over the Bulldogs and Eels before two losses and a draw in their past three outings, including last weekend's 44-12 drubbing at the hands of the Panthers.
If the Sea Eagles are to get back on track they will need to stiffen up their defence against a Storm team capable of putting on tries from anywhere with Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes working their magic.
After holding a potent Rabbitohs side to just 13 points in Round 4, Manly gave up 32 points to the Knights in Mudgee and 44 to the premiers at BlueBet Stadium, conceding 13 tries in the process.
Dating back to the 2007 and '08 grand finals, the Sea Eagles and Storm have built a great rivalry, and a packed house at 4 Pines Park on a Friday night provides the perfect setting for another epic chapter to be written.
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Team News
Sea Eagles: There are no late changes for the home side. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed on Thursday that Tom Trbojevic is good to go. Winger Reuben Garrick is out after failing a head injury assessment last week with Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega set to play the third game of his NRL career on the wing. Karl Lawton (shoulder) has also been ruled out with former Australian prop Aaron Woods called onto the bench for his first appearance in Manly colours. Toafofoa Sipley joins Woods on the interchange with Samuela Fainu listed as 18th man. Cooper Johns starts at five-eighth and Kaeo Weekes returns to the interchange.
Storm: There are no late changes for the visitors. Nick Meaney suffered delayed concussion symptoms following Thursday night's win over the Roosters last week and is out with Cameron Munster switching to fullback and Jonah Pezet partnering Jahrome Hughes in the halves. Grant Anderson is 18th man. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is edging closer to a return by Round 8 at the earliest after returning to training alongside Ryan Papehuyzen (knee) last week.
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Stat Attack
- The Sea Eagles have scored over 30 points in both games at 4 Pines Park this season.
- The Storm have won six of their past seven games against the Sea Eagles.
- Manly winger Jason Saab has scored five tries in his past three games against the Storm.
- Storm centre Justin Olam has scored 10 tries in his last seven games against the Sea Eagles.
- The Sea Eagles have conceded 30 points or more in three of their past four games
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.