The Sea Eagles and Knights are separated by just one point on the competition ladder and both are coming off gutsy away wins as they head into a crucial Round 19 encounter.
With Daly Cherry-Evans coming through in the clutch yet again, Manly produced a golden point victory over the Cowboys to jump back into the eight, but their main man will be away on Maroons Origin duty this weekend.
The Knights had to dig deep to stave off the Raiders in Canberra, with Kalyn Ponga making an impressive return from injury, but the No.1 gun will also be in Maroons camp this week along with centres Bradman Best and Dane Gagai.
The depth of both sides will be tested although Manly are strengthened by the presence of Tom Trbojevic in his second game back from injury and back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu after he was left out of the Blues side for Origin Three.
With a storied rivalry that dates back to the legendary 1997 ARL grand final, the Knights and Sea Eagles have met 59 times with Manly holding a 35-23 advantage with one draw in Mudgee in 2023.
Stat Attack
- The Sea Eagles have won nine of their past 11 games against the Knights at 4 Pines Park.
- The Knights have won four of their past five away games.
- The Sea Eagles have won five from six at 4 Pines Park this season.
- Knights halfback Jackson Hastings will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has won only one from five against the Knights.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.