Manly ready for triple header against Knights
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are preparing for a feast of Sunday afternoon footy action when the Newcastle Knights roll into the Northern Beaches this weekend.
We take a look at some of the key points for the round 19 match at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale, on Sunday, July 14.
Match Day Schedule
11:45am: Ken Arthurson Gates Open
12pm: Jersey Flegg Cup Kick Off: Sea Eagles v Knights
1.30pm: Pine Avenue and North Gates open
1.45pm NSW Cup Kick Off: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights
4.05pm NRL Kick Off: Sea Eagles v Knights
7pm: Sea Eagles signing session from 7pm in the Menzies Sports Bar, Manly Leagues Club. All welcome
Purchase tickets here
Team News
Tom Trbojevic slides back to his customary fullback role with Tolu Koula facing a stint on the sideline with a knee injury. Tommy Talau moves to the centres and Lehi Hopoate comes in on the wing while Jamie Humphreys is the new halfback in Daly Cherry-Evans’ absence. Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown join the back row in place of Jake Trbojevic (Origin) and Ben Trbojevic (head knock). Corey Waddell, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Clayton Faulalo join the bench.
Trbojevic will also captain the Sea Eagles for the first time in his illustrious career.
Form Guide
Ladder Position: Manly 21 points (7th), Newcastle 20 points (9th)
Last Round: Manly 21 d Nth Qld 20 (Golden Point); Newcastle 16 d Canberra 12
Last Five Rounds: Manly 3/5; Newcastle 2/5
Head to Head: Played 59, Manly 35, Newcastle 23, 1 draw
Since 1998 (NRL era) Played 39: Manly 20, Newcastle 18, 1 draw.
Proud Moment
The Sea Eagles will have two debutants in half-back Jamie Humphreys and Clayton Faulalo, who can cover full-back, wing and centre.
A player with a solid running and kicking game, Humphreys claimed Manly’s Jersey Flegg Players’ Players award in 2023 and has turned in some fine performances for the Blacktown Workers in the NSW Cup after being tried at hooker and half.
Faulalo was a revelation for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in the NSW Cup in 2023, scoring 29 tries in 24 games to finish as the competition’s leading try scorer.
His form led him to take out the Players’ Player award for the Blacktown Workers and a two-year deal with Manly. He will go into Manly’s top 30 squad in 2025.
Double Celebrations for Josh
Prop Josh Aloiai celebrated his 150th NRL game with a victory over the Cowboys in Townsville and a new two-year contract extension with the Sea Eagles.
A hard running prop with a high work ethic, Aloiai has been a mainstay of the Sea Eagles pack over the past three years and has now played 60 games for Manly.
“I feel like Josh has been in as good as form as he has ever been in his career at the moment,’’ said Manly Coach Anthony Seibold.
“He has been really consistent with what he has brought to the group.”
Malcolm Reilly Challenge Trophy
Named after Great Britain great Malcom Reilly, Manly and Newcastle play for the annual trophy when they meet for the first time each season in honour of the man who made a big impact at both clubs.
Reilly played 89 games for Manly from 1971-75 and played in their premiership winning teams in 1972 and ’73.
He later coached Newcastle to their first premiership victory against Manly.
The trophy was first played for in 2007. Of the 17 matches played, Manly have won the trophy 10 times.
Golden time for Eagles
Former players, officials, and administrators from all of Manly’s grades will come together for another special day to celebrate the club’s rich history on Sunday.
In keeping with tradition, the Golden Eagles will march from Manly Leagues Club to 4 Pines Park at 3.10pm before taking part in a lap of honour from 3.30pm-3.45pm prior to the NRL match.
