Two of the NRL's great rivals square off for the second time in five weeks with the Sea Eagles looking for revenge after a controversial loss at CommBank Stadium in Round 3.
After racing to an early 14-0 lead in that match Manly were reeled in by the Eels and then had a try denied at a critical time in the second half due to an obstruction call on Jake Trbojevic that had plenty of fans scratching their head.
To Manly's credit they didn't dwell on that call and despite losing to the Dragons the following week they have put together wins over the Panthers and Titans and a draw with the Warriors in the past three weeks.
With Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks striking up a potent combination in the halves, Manly's speed men Tom Trbojevic and Tolu Koula have feasted on the quality service to rack up eight tries between them for the season.
The Eels are coming off a humiliating loss to the Dolphins in Darwin and will have coach Brad Arthur's stinging post-match assessment ringing in their ears as they prepare for a daunting trip to 4 Pines Park.
With halfback Mitch Moses still another month away with a foot injury and Daejarn Asi overlooked, the Eels have come up with another different halves combination to try and mastermind a morale boosting victory.
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Team News
Sea Eagles: The return of prop Josh Aloiai from suspension pushes Matt Lodge to the bench and Aaron Woods to 18th man. Nathan Brown (knee) is also back on deck so Dean Matterson makes way. Jakob Arthur drops from the extended bench in the only change before kick-off.
Eels: In a late swap before kick-off, Junior Paulo moves to the bench, with Joe Ofahengaue to start. Youngster Ethan Sanders will make his NRL debut at five-eighth in place of Daejarn Asi, while Fijian flyer Maika Sivo has been recalled on the wing. Bryce Cartwright will miss the match with a rib cartilage injury. Three new faces on the bench with Kelma Tuilagi, Brendan Hands and Makahesi Makatoa all coming in. Ryan Matterson moves into the starting side while Sean Russell is 18th player.
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Stat Attack
- The Sea Eagles have scored 107 points in their past three games at 4 Pines Park.
- The Eels have won four of their past five games against the Sea Eagles.
- Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored four tries in his past five games.
- Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored 40 points in his past four games against the Sea Eagles.
- Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick has scored 11 tries in 11 games against the Eels.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.