NRL Round 1 Preview - Sea Eagles v Knights @ McDonald Jones Stadium

Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles @ McDonald Jones Stadium
 
Preview - The new look Newcastle Knights will run out to a huge crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium when they open up 2018 with a Friday night showdown with the Manly Sea Eagles. The Knights have had a wretched past three years, claiming three straight wooden spoons, despite an improved effort last season where they won five games compared to just one in 2016. With a host of new signings including Mitchell Pearce, there are much higher expectations for Newcastle this year. However, the Sea Eagles will be no pushovers, having been surprise finalists last year, finishing the regular season in sixth spot. Despite a disappointing exit from the Finals in Week 1, Manly managed 14 wins, and played an attacking brand of football under Trent Barrett in his second year in charge, becoming one of the more entertaining teams in the competition. 
 
History - The Knights have a terrible recent record against the Sea Eagles, having lost their last 7 against the Silvertails, and having failed to beat them since way back in 2012. Last year when the sides clashed at Lottoland, the Sea Eagles got out of jail somewhat, clinging on for an 18-14 win over the Knights on a wet and wild night, with Newcastle having been denied a fair try when the referee failed to go to the bunker. The Knights have not won at Manly since 2006, and overall have only 17 wins from 47 games against the Sea Eagles. 

Newcastle Knights’ Scouting Report - The Knights have a totally new look side, and Nathan Brown will be desperate to get an early win in front of what is sure to be a more expectant crowd. I’m really looking forward to the new combination in the spine between Kayln Ponga at fullback and Mitchell Pearce at halfback. Ponga, I think, has the potential to be the next superstar in the NRL, and I expect Pearce to really take command of this side and thrive playing for the Knights.
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Manly have had a relatively quiet summer, and have some question marks coming into Round 1, with Dylan Walker out injured, and Blake Green, a mainstay of last year’s team, having departed to the Warriors. All eyes will be on rookie Number 6 Lachlan Croker who has the big job of replacing Blake Green and providing a foil for the Sea Eagles captain and best player Daly Cherry-Evans. 
 
Verdict - Manly by 1-6 in a high scoring game  
 
I just think there is going to be a fair bit of pressure and expectation on Newcastle in this game, and Manly can ambush them somewhat. Manly have their combinations more down pat from last season, and also enjoy an outstanding record against the Knights. I actually think this will be one of the best games of the round in terms of open and attacking football. I think this will be a really high scoring game, with both sides scoring 20 plus points. I just think the fact Manly have been together longer as a side can see them expose a few defensive holes in the Knights, and win by a try or so.