Sea Eagles v Cowboys NRL Round 1 predictions & tips | March 8

Sea Eagles v Cowboys NRL R1 best bets

NRL Round 1: Manly Sea Eagles v North Queensland Cowboys preview

The Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys face off in a highly anticipated NRL Round 1 clash at 4 Pines Park on Saturday night, with Manly entering as $1.46 bookmaker favourites.

Both teams are coming off week-two finals exits in 2024 and will be eager to start the 2025 NRL season on the right note.

The Sea Eagles have built one of the strongest home records in the NRL, winning eight of 10 matches at Brookvale last season and averaging 28.5 points per game at the venue. The return of Tom Trbojevic at fullback is a major boost, while new recruits Jazz Tevaga and Siosiua Taukeiaho add depth to the spine and forward pack.

For the Cowboys, a new-look backline and halves combination presents early-season challenges. Tom Duffy debuts at halfback, replacing Chad Townsend, while Braidon Burns and Jaxon Purdue fill the void left by Kyle Feldt and Valentine Holmes. However, Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden, and Jeremiah Nanai remain the key attacking threats.

This matchup has been evenly contested in recent years, with the Cowboys winning two of their last three games at 4 Pines Park. However, Manly edged them 21-20 in golden point last season, and their strong home advantage gives them the upper hand in this contest.

Expect the Sea Eagles to target the Cowboys’ reshuffled backline, while North Queensland’s forwards must match Manly’s physicality to stay in the contest.

Sea Eagles vs Cowboys Rd 1 team news

Manly Sea Eagles

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

Lachlan Croker’s knee injury means Jazz Tevaga start at hooker, while Jake Simpkin provides cover off the bench. Siosiua Taukeiaho returns to the NRL in the front row, and Lehi Hopoate gets his first crack on the wing.

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North Queensland Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Thomas Duffy
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Sam McIntyre
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter
14. Karl Lawton
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess

Braidon Burns and Jaxon Purdue slot into the backline for the departed Kyle Feldt and Valentine Holmes, while Tom Duffy earns his first NRL start at halfback. John Bateman makes his club debut in the second row, while Jason Taumalolo remains in the reserves as he recovers from a foot injury.

Sea Eagles v Cowboys betting predictions

The Sea Eagles’ dominance at Brookvale is a massive factor in this contest, and with their settled squad and strong attacking structures, they should be able to win this by 13 or more points at +160 odds at Marantelli Bet. The Cowboys’ new combinations will take time to gel, and they may struggle to match Manly’s well-drilled attack and forward dominance. Manly were among the most efficient attacking sides at home last season, and if they control field position early, they can run away with this one in the second half.

Manly will look to exploit the Cowboys’ reshuffled right-edge defence, with Jason Saab a prime target for their early attacking raids. Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks will likely control possession, keeping the Cowboys on the back foot and allowing Manly’s attack to create overlaps and find space on the edges. Saab’s speed makes him an obvious danger man, and with Manly’s ability to build pressure through repeat sets, he should get multiple opportunities to find the try line at -113.64 odds with BetOnline.

Given the Cowboys’ attacking uncertainties, it’s hard to see them breaking down Manly’s structured defence enough to contribute heavily to the total score. With early-season rust a factor and the Sea Eagles’ strong defensive record at home, under 45.5 total points looks like a smart bet at $1.90 with rugby league bookies. Adding to this, rain is expected throughout the day in Sydney, which could lead to handling errors and a more conservative style of play from both teams.

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