Sea Eagles v Dolphins NRL R15 tips & multi picks – June 9, 2023

Sea Eagles v Dolphins NRL predictions & best bets

Sea Eagles v Dolphins R15 match preview

Friday night NRL action wraps up in Brookvale with the Manly Sea Eagles hosting the Dolphins at 4 Pines Park. Both sides have received a huge injection of Origin stars to their sides, but who will come out on top?

The Sea Eagles have had a major boost during the week with Tom Trbojevic being cleared to return to play following his category one concussion in Origin I. Daly Cherry-Evans will also return to the side, replacing Cooper Johns at halfback.

Brad Parker (elbow) has been ruled out until round 18 with Reuben Garrick shifting to the centres and Christian Tuipulotu starting on the wing. Jake Arthur has been left out of the side to accommodate the return of Josh Aloiai from injury.

The Dolphins will be welcoming back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from his try-scoring double in Origin to start at fullback, pushing Kodi Nikorima to the five-eighth role in place of the suspended Anthony Milford. Max Plath will be replaced by Jeremy Marshall-King at hooker, while Poasa Faamausili has been named to replace the suspended Jarrod Wallace.

These two clubs are yet to meet in the NRL and the timing could not be worse for the Dolphins. While the return of Tabuai-Fidow is a boost, the loss of experience in Milford and Wallace is bigger than many will give credit for. ‘Tommy Turbo’ will be determined to put on another big performance at home for the Sea Eagles to guarantee his spot in the second State of Origin clash later this month. The home side should win by 13+ points on Friday night, paying $2.35 with the top NRL bookmakers.

Tolutau Koula will be marking up against the experienced Brenko Lee in this match, which presents a huge opportunity for the young outside back. Lee has been struggling with a calf injury and is still listed in the NRL casualty ward. Koula’s speed and strength will test the defensive skill and fitness of Lee, and if the Dolphins centre gives Koula half a chance, he will score a try at some point in the match ($2.90).

Haumole Olakau’atu has a better opportunity now than in previous weeks this season to put his hand up for State of Origin selection. The injury to Cameron Murray has seen names like Keaon Koloamatangi and Spencer Leniu mentioned as possible replacements. Manly’s damaging back-rower has an opportunity against young Dolphins forward Connelly Lemuelu to show he is the man for the job for New South Wales, while scoring a try at any time in the game ($3.50).

Key matchup: Cherry-Evans v Katoa

Daly Cherry-Evans vs Isaiya Katoa

This battle of the rookie and the veteran will be one of the best halves contests over the weekend. Daly Cherry-Evans is a premiership, State of Origin and Rugby League World Cup winner with the kick and game management to win almost any match he plays in. Isaiya Katoa is continuing to learn and build his skills as a halfback at the top level, and the closer his performance is to Cherry-Evans’, the more likely the Dolphins are to cause an upset on the Northern Beaches.

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