Manly hosts Newcastle with notable player changes. Joey Walsh is included for Manly, while Knights debut Paul Bryan and adjust their lineup.
The Manly Sea Eagles host the Newcastle Knights in a blockbuster clash at 4 Pines Park.
For Manly Joey Walsh is out with Corey Wadell joining the bench.
For the Knights Mat Croker starts at lock with Tyson Frizell shifting to the bench.
In the absence of Siosiua Taukeiaho due to a calf injury, Kobe Hetherington has been named at prop. Knights recruit Paul Bryan is also set to make his NRL debut off the pine in the middle of the park, while rising star Joey Walsh has been named in the No.14 jersey. His inclusion specifically is an interesting topic, considering he didn't manage to record a single minute against the Raiders. Walsh is a starting playmaker of the future, but Anthony Seibold couldn't find space to give him a minute in their golden point loss. It's important to note that four forwards were used with Taukeiaho going off injured in the first half, but both Nathan Brown and Corey Waddell both featured for only 22 and 25 minutes respectively. Haumole Olakau'atu was also forced from the field, but there's an argument to say Joey Walsh could have made an impact through the middle of the park and give Jake Simpkin a reprieve at hooker.