Sea Eagles v Eels NRL Rd 3 best bets & multi tips – 16/3/2023

The Manly Sea Eagles return from the bye to take on the Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park in Brookvale this Thursday night in the opening game of round three for the 2023 NRL season.

The Eels sit at the bottom of the NRL Premiership ladder having been beaten by the Storm and Sharks to start the season. The Sea Eagles have played just once, beating the Bulldogs in Brookvale, who have since gone on to beat the Storm.

The Dragons are the only team this season to have a bye and return to play, although they did record a win against the Titans on Sunday. The Sea Eagles have now been granted time to rebuild their spine that consists of Tom Trbojevic, Josh Schuster, Daly Cherry-Evans and Lachlan Croker. Will they make it two-from-two at 4 Pines Park?

Although the Eels have won 21 of their 41 games against the Sea Eagles and have only suffered narrow defeats so far this season, winning away at Manly looks like a stretch for the away side. Star fullback Trbojevic looked in second gear against the Bulldogs, the Sea Eagles forward pack looks more balanced and well-rounded, and there is the unknown X-factor of Schuster coming into the halves. As such, the Sea Eagles at the 13+ margin looks a good play at $3.45 with Ladbrokes.

The ease with which the Sharks put points on the Eels last weekend should be very concerning for Parramatta Eels fans. Sea Eagles fullback Trbojevic is returning from injury and warming up to his full potential, which will make defence for the Eels even more paramount. If Brad Arthur’s side does not turn up ready to defend for long periods, ‘Tommy Turbo’ will be a great chance to score two or more times ($5.60) for the home side in a dominant performance.

The Sea Eagles made scoring points look very easy a fortnight ago against the Bulldogs. Captain Cherry-Evans and Reuben Garrick were amongst the try-scorers, and with dry weather expected on Thursday, there could be more Sea Eagles crossing the try line. Look for this to be a very high-scoring match that exceeds 41.5 total points ($1.90) as the hosts show they will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 NRL season.

Key matchup: Haumole Olakau’atu v Matt Doorey

Matt Doorey is back in the NRL for the first time since 2021 as he duels it out with Bryce Cartwright for the starting edge spot in this Eels side. Doorey has shown this season, and in previous years, he can struggle defensively. He takes on one of the biggest, most skilful and dynamic back-rowers in the NRL in Haumole Olakau’atu on Thursday, which will be an enormous test. Halfback Cherry-Evans will be sure to isolate the two one-on-one to test Doorey, and it could be a long night for the Eels back-rower if he does not measure up physically.

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