Go Media Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 2 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Manly Sea Eagles. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Manly Sea Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New Zealand Warriors vs. Manly Sea Eagles game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday March 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Where: Go Media Stadium

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New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds

New Zealand Warriors vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview

The Warriors returned home from Las Vegas with their tails between their legs after meek season-opening showing, but it doesn’t get any easier for Andrew Webster’s crew as they welcome a red-hot Manly side to Auckland.

Flat, passive and slow on both sides of the ball in a 30-8 loss to Canberra two weeks ago, the Warriors looked a team without a leader in the spine, while their small pack was steamrolled. Luke Metcalf is already under scrutiny in the No.7 but needs a much better forward platform to work off.

Webster has stuck solid with the same 17 that struggled in Vegas, but fans will be sweating on a more sensible middle rotation after the coach made some bewildering decisions in Round 1.

In stark contrast, Manly was electrifying in a 42-12 win over North Queensland, getting off to an absolute flyer before putting the cue in the rack at 42-0 after 55 minutes.

Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans were untouchable, setting up myriad opportunities for attacking weapons Haumole Olakau’atu, Jason Saab and Lehi Hopoate. Taniela Paseka, Jake Trbojevic and Ethan Bullemor were dominant through the middle.

The Sea Eagles’ only change sees Josh Aloiai come in at prop for Siosiua Taukeiaho (knee).

The Warriors have won just one of their last six against Manly – going down 24-10 at Brookvale late last season – but the Sea Eagles are searching for their first victory at Mt Smart since 2017.

In Round 6 in Auckland last year, the Warriors stormed back from 16 points down to force the game into golden point in a controversial finish, but it ended in a 22-all draw.

The Warriors went 4-1-5 at Mt Smart last year despite selling out every game – and their wins were largely on the underwhelming side. Manly went just 6-1-9 away from 4 Pines Park in 2024 but it would take a monumental turnaround from the hosts to prevent the Sea Eagles from covering.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, arguably the Warriors’ lone standout in Vegas, has scored a try in each of his last five NRL starts on the wing.

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