Just one NRL game on Friday night but it promises to be an intriguing contest as the Eels host the Sea Eagles. Bitter rivals over many years, each will want to give little away to their opponents. Plenty of potential storylines run through this game and it will make for intriguing viewing. Thankfully, we are here to make sense of it all, as we bring you our full preview and betting tips, with odds thanks to Ladbrokes!
Parramatta Eels vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Location: CommBank Stadium
Date: 23rd May
Time: 8pm (AEST)
Odds: Eels $2.65 vs Sea Eagles $1.48
Line: +6.5
Points: 46.5
Match Preview
The Eels produced a much needed upset on the road last week, defeating the Knights comprehensively 28-6. Grinding out a strong first half and establishing a 10-0 lead, they capitalised in the second half on a tired defensive line. With 55% possession and a 77% completion rate, they gave little opportunities away to their opponents. They dominated metres mate (9.9m per carry), had 7 line breaks and only missing 22 tackles defensively. It was a performance which would excite their fans.
The Sea Eagles were equally as good in their 24-6 victory over the Cowboys on the road. In a tricky contest, the game was there for the taking as teams were locked up at 6-all at HT. They kicked into another gear in the second half though, with their defence improving to keep the Cowboys scoreless. They did their best to give the result away though, especially considering they completed at only 67%. Thankfully, the fact that they averaged 9m per carry, had 7 line breaks and missed just 20 tackles underpinned their effort to prevail.
The loss of Moses will negatively impact the Eels. Despite the home team winning the past 5 matches played between these two teams and the Eels holding a far superior record at this ground (62% vs 33%), the visitors are better placed to succeed. The loss of DCE is off set by the retention of Tommy Turbo; it doesn’t mean the Sea Eagles will not struggle. They too will have their issues and are probably too short in betting markets. The omission of Jake Trbojevic is arguably going to be more difficult to cover but they will get Olakau’atu back from Origin camp for this game.
The season statistics suggests the visitors have an edge on both sides of the ball. They produce more points in attack (17ppg vs 24ppg) and concede fewer points in defence (27ppg vs 21ppg). The preferred option is for the visitors to overcome their poor record at this ground, albeit, by a narrow margin in a game which may not be decided until the back end of the contest.
Sea Eagles 1-12
$2.90 (1.5 units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 NRL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Total Points Under 46.5 – looking at the weather reports, this game is going to be a wet and slippery contest. The average total points in their past 5 matches is only slightly about this (48.4 points) and each my struggle without their halfbacks.
Leg 2: Tom Trbojevic to score – he needs a breakout performance following injuries and subpar efforts. Scoring just one try this season, a breakout performance is coming, and it may just be this match with the added responsibility of the captaincy.
Leg 3: Saab to score – he is the leading try scorer for the Sea Eagles so far this year and after only recently returning from injury, will want to regain confidence with a strong performance here. He is well placed being an attacking threat both in the air and on the ground.
SGM Odds: $7.50 at BoomBet
