Sea Eagles v Sharks betting tips and predictions | NRL Rd 11 14/5

Round 11 of the NRL Premiership wraps up on Sydney’s northern beaches with the Manly Sea Eagles hosting the Cronulla Sharks at 4 Pines Park in Brookvale.

Both sides were defeated comfortably in Magic Round last outing, and both will be desperate to bounce back on Sunday.

This match shapes to be one of the most interesting of the round with Tom Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu and Nicho Hynes all having cases to make for New South Wales Blues selection.

The only possible change that is expected for these two sides after Magic Round is the possibility of Josh Schuster (quad) returning from injury for Manly and being promoted from the reserves to the starting side, although it is unclear whether he would start at five-eighth or play off the bench.

The Sea Eagles and Sharks have met a total of 96 times in their history with Manly winning almost 70% of the matches with 34 wins from 41 clashes at 4 Pines Park. Unfortunately for the Sea Eagles, they have lost their last two matches alone to the Sharks by a total of 74 points to 28.

With uncertainty surrounding the starting Sea Eagles side, the Sharks are the safest bet to win with match at $1.50 odds with online bookmakers.

Olakau’atu has been endorsed by many players and figures around the game as a player who should be making his State of Origin debut at the Adelaide Oval on May 31. The Sea Eagles back rower runs incredibly strong lines with the footwork and skill to score for himself or on a kick chase. Expect Olakau’atu to perform as a player demanding of representative selection by scoring a try ($2.65) at any time during this match.

Will Kennedy has catapulted his name into the conversation as one of the best fullbacks in the NRL. His speed, footwork and support play make him one of the most dangerous and illusive players in the competition. Be it broken play, kick chases or set plays, Kennedy can score from anywhere on the field and is brilliant value to do so this Sunday ($2.10).

Tolutau Koula struggled defensively against the Broncos at Magic Round and will have another tough assignment this Sunday. Siosifa Talakai has been flying under the radar for his form this season breaking opposition defensive lines and tackles with his strong ball carries. Should his form continue, Talakai should also add his name to the anytime try scorer list ($3.20).

Key Match-up: Nicho Hynes v Daly Cherry-Evans

The battle of these two halfbacks could prove to be a State of Origin preview in a month’s time. Queensland players across the league have begun building their form towards the upcoming series with Cherry-Evans expected to be leading the way. Both players are the leaders of their sides, the main orchestrators, kickers, and the loudest voices in team huddles. Weather is expected to be poor, which will only emphasise the importance of the performance from these halfbacks.

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