With seven wins out of eight games under interim coach Kieran Foran the Sea Eagles juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down.

Even in more of a grinding contest against the Titans last Saturday night the Sea Eagles were still able to get the job done without Haumole Olakau’atu, Lehi Hopoate and Tolu Koula.

Hopoate returns from suspension for the trip to Shark Park while the fitness of Blues Origin reps Koula and Olakau’atu will be assessed after Wednesday night’s series opener.

The Sharks have Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey on NSW duty and will be sweating on their availability as they look to continue their recent dominance over Manly.

Regardless of who backs up 48 hours after Origin One, this promises to be a sensational showdown between two sides with a rich history dating back to the epic 1973 grand final, won 10-7 by the boys from the northern beaches.

Team News

Sharks: Star halfback Nicho Hynes will miss Friday’s match due to a calf injury, with debutant Niwhai Puru named in the No.7 jumper to partner Braydon Trindall in the halves. Craig Fitzgibbon has named all three of his Origin players in the starting side, with Blayke Brailey to start at hooker, Addin Fonrua-Blake in the front-row and Briton Nikora in the back-row. Cameron McInnes will start at lock in his 100th game for the club, while Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jesse Ramien retain their place in the backline after making successful returns from injury before last week’s bye. 

Sea Eagles: Origin stars Haumole Olakau’atu and Tolu Koula are listed among the reserves and will be monitored after the series opener. Lehi Hopoate returns from suspension on the wing. Back-rower Ben Trbojevic has been cleared to play after a head injury assessment was reclassified by the NRL from a category 1 to a category 2, following no diagnosis of concussion being made. 

Stat Attack

The Sharks have won six of their last seven games against the Sea Eagles.
The Sea Eagles have won only three of their last 14 games at Ocean Protect Stadium.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored seven tries in his last seven games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored five tries in his last four games against the Sharks.
Sharks co-captain Cameron McInnes will play his 100th game for the club.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.