Sea Eagles vs Broncos Prediction: Champs to suffer more pain against Foran’s flying Sea Eagles

After suffering a first NRL Premiership defeat under Kieran Foran, the Manly Sea Eagles look to regain their winning edge on Saturday when they host the Brisbane Broncos at Brookvale Oval (19:35 local, 10:35 BST, Sky Sports Action).
A narrow loss to the league-leading Panthers has checked Manly’s progress, and next up are the reigning champions. Here are my Sea Eagles vs Broncos predictions, along with full team news and the latest match odds.
Sea Eagles vs Broncos Betting Tips
*odds correct at time of publishing
Betfred cannot split this pair, with both sides priced at 19/20 for the victory inside 80 minutes.
It’s 16/1 for golden-point extra-time to be needed to separate the two.
Team News
Manly youngster Joey Walsh makes way for Jamal Fogarty, who is back in the picture after pulling out of last week’s loss with a groin injury.
Kobe Hetherington misses out due to concussion protocols, with Ethan Bullemor getting the nod at prop in his place.
After the head injury he sustained in the loss to the Roosters last week, Adam Reynolds sits out this one for the Broncos. In comes Tom Duffy at scrum half to replace him.
Kotoni Staggs is suspended, so Jesse Arthars starts at centre, while Deine Mariner is ruled out with a leg issue. That brings Antonio Verhoeven into the XIII.
Preston Riki’s suspension has been served, so he’s among the sub options, but there’s still no Ben Hunt for Michael Maguire’s outfit.
Sea Eagles by 1-12 @ 12/5
Even in defeat, Manly showed last week that they have a new edge compared to the first three rounds of the season.
Far from drifting out of fixtures for long spells, they are now competing at every turn. And to slug it out with the leaders as they did was another feather in Foran’s cap despite the fact they came away without any competition points.
The Broncos have won five of their last season even accounting for the loss against the Roosters in Round 9. They are by no means a gimme.
But I fancy the Sea Eagles to continue their impressive run and get the benefit in terms of the result, especially given the Brookvale tax. When Manly are firing and playing on their own patch, they’re a daunting prospect.
Foran has got them running hot, and the questionable Brisbane defence could have a tough task on their hands.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Lehi Hopoate Anytime Tryscorer @ 8/11
If one man has embodied the difference between Anthony Seibold’s Manly and the team under Foran now, it is Lehi Hopoate.
The winger had failed to score in any of his three appearances prior to the coaching change. But since then he has crossed in every match, scoring seven in five.
The structure with which the Sea Eagles are now playing has helped to provide more service to Hopoate, and I see this continuing on Saturday with another try for the 21-year-old local lad.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
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