The Kieran Foran revolution will take another step forward on Saturday night when the Sea Eagles host Gold Coast at 4 Pines Park.
Manly have won six from seven since Foran stepped into the interim coaching role and they are looking to keep the momentum rolling in front of their home fans.
The Sea Eagles claimed a dominant 46-18 win over the Wests Tigers during Magic Round last week, with Jason Saab scoring a hat-trick.
Manly’s depth out wide will be tested on Saturday night, with Tolu Koula unavailable due to State of Origin commitments and Lehi Hopoate suspended. Haumole Olakau’atu is also away with the Blues as they continue their preparations for next Wednesday’s series opener.
Gold Coast have shown plenty of promise under new coach Josh Hannay but are still searching for an 80-minute performance.
Experienced forward Moeaki Fotuaika will become the club’s most capped player, surpassing Mark Minichiello when he runs out for his 174th NRL match.
With captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to miss the clash due to Origin duties, Fotuaika will lead the charge up front in his milestone game.
The Titans largely controlled last week’s clash with the Knights for the opening 40 minutes before dropping off after half-time and falling to a 36-12 defeat.
Young halfback Zane Harrison is taking the first steps of his NRL career and will look to continue developing on Saturday night.
Team News
Sea Eagles: No late changes for the Sea Eagles. Josh Feledy and Blake Wilson join the backline with Tolu Koula on Origin duty and Lehi Hopoate suspended. After coming off the bench in his NRL debut in Round 10, Jackson Shereb starts in the back row in place of Blues rep Haumole Olakau’atu. Forwards Hugo Hart and Simione Laiafi are the new faces on the six-man bench with Hart in line for an NRL debut.
Titans: Chris Randall has joined the interchange bench after gaining clearance to play from the NRL. Randall is listed to start from the bench with Arama Hau returning to the starting back-row spot. Klese Haas comes into the starting side at prop and Jaylan de Groot is the new centre with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita in Queensland camp. Prop Moeaki Fotuaika will break Mark Minichiello’s club appearance record of 173 games. Bodhi Shipley and Max Feagai were omitted in the 24-hour update.
Stat Attack
The Sea Eagles have won six of their seven games under interim coach Kieran Foran.
The Titans have won four of their last six games at 4 Pines Park.
Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick has scored 12 tries in 10 games against the Titans.
Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika will break Mark Minichiello’s club appearance record of 173 games.
Sea Eagles fullback Clayton Faulalo has scored five tries in his last eight games at 4 Pines Park.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.