NRL Round 7 preview: Sea Eagles v Dragons betting tips

Best bets for Sea Eagles vs Dragons

NRL Round 7: Sea Eagles vs Dragons match preview

The Sea Eagles face the St George Illawarra Dragons to open NRL Round 7 this Thursday night, and the home side will be eager to stop a two-game skid with a big win at Fortress Brookvale.

The Sea Eagles have won three of four at 4 Pines Park in 2025 and continue to lead the NRL in key attacking metrics like line breaks and possession. Despite controlling territory against the Sharks last week, execution let them down once again.

The Dragons arrive off the back of a 38-16 statement win over the Titans, producing their most polished attacking performance of the season.

Their back five combined for nearly 850 run metres in that match, showcasing the speed and strike power out wide. St George may sit 10th on the ladder, but their point-scoring potential keeps them dangerous, with online bookmakers giving them a decent chance as $2.30 underdogs.

This contest could open up if the Sea Eagles continue their fast starts and the Dragons bring the same attacking intent they showed last week.

With both sides capable of scoring in bunches, punters can expect an entertaining, high-scoring affair, with the top NRL betting sites setting the line at 48.5 points.

Sea Eagles v Dragons team news

Manly Sea Eagles

1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Tommy Talau
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Nathan Brown
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Toafofoa Sipley

Jason Saab returns from an ankle injury for Manly and replaces Clayton Faulalo on the wing. This is the only change to the side that lost narrowly to Cronulla.

St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Clinton Gutherson
2. Tyrell Sloan
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Mathew Feagai
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. David Klemmer
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack De Belin
14. Jacob Liddle
15. Blake Lawrie
16. Hamish Stewart
17. Dylan Egan

Christian Tuipulotu is out for St George with a hamstring strain, with Mathew Feagai promoted from 18th man to the wing. Dylan Egan retains his spot despite picking up a knock last week.

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Sea Eagles v Dragons betting predictions

Manly are favourites at home, but their form line is shaky and they’ve conceded big points in back-to-back games. The Dragons’ attack exploded against the Titans, and they’ve now scored 30 or more in two of their last three games. If they replicate that edge running and get decent ball in Manly’s 20, the Red V can go back-to-back and deliver value as $2.30 underdogs with BetOnline.

Moses Suli comes up against his former club and has looked dangerous in patches all season. He’ll be running at a Manly right edge that’s been cut to shreds recently, and he’s likely to see quality early ball. At $3.50 with BetOnline, Suli a strong value play in the anytime tryscorer market.

The Sea Eagles and Dragons have both featured in high-scoring affairs lately, with three of Manly’s last four topping 48 points. The Dragons’ left-side attack is humming, while Manly still boast strike power through the likes of Saab, Garrick and Olakau’atu. With both defences offering plenty of gaps, take the over 48 points at $1.90 with BetOnline.

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