The Manly Sea Eagles will look to keep their slim finals hopes alive when they host the St. George Illawarra Dragons at 4 Pines Park on Friday night. 

Manly snapped a six-match losing streak with a 44-24 win over Newcastle on Saturday to remain within reach of the top eight. 

The club still requires a series of unlikely results to qualify, most notably a win over the Warriors in Auckland next week. 

Meanwhile, the Dragons were unable to notch a third consecutive win, falling 44-14 to Canterbury on Saturday and all but confirming this year’s wooden spoon, which would be a first in club history. 

With Jacob Liddle sidelined, skipper Damien Cook has been promoted to start at hooker, while Connor Muhleisen has joined the interchange for his first NRL match in two years. 

For Manly, Josh Feledy starts at centre for the injured Tolutau Koula, while Onitoni Large could make his NRL debut after being named on the interchange. 

The Sea Eagles will be looking to do the double over the Dragons this season after they defeated them 28-18 when these sides met in Round 6.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this Friday night clash, check out our Sea Eagles vs Dragons tips and predictions below!

Sea Eagles vs Dragon Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Sitting 10th on 26 points, Manly’s finals chances are technically still alive after their win last week. However, they need a lot of results to go their way elsewhere.

Making their task somewhat harder, there are question marks surrounding Tolu Koula who is in doubt with a syndesmosis injury. 

The Dragons, meanwhile, had an absolutely torrid time last week, conceding 44 points to the Bulldogs. 

They're rock bottom and running out of chances to avoid the wooden spoon. A loss here and they’ll be taking home the kitchen utensil no one wants. 

We’re tipping Manly to hand deliver the spoon here, even without the services of strike centre Koula.

Betting tip: Manly Sea Eagles. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Tommy Turbo shrugged off suggestions to sit the rest of the season out and returned from injury last week to lead his team to their first win in more than a while. 

While its obvious injuries have taken their toll on the once untouchable superstar, it’s clear that class is in fact permanent. 

He has also scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances against opponents that were ranked in the bottom four and we’re tipping him to cash in against the dismal Dragons with the first four pointer of this match. 

Betting tip: Tom Trbojevic.

Over/Under Prediction 

Ten of St. George Illawarra's last 11 away matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 48.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The underdog has covered the line in eight of St. George Illawarra's last nine matches.

Betting tip: Dragons (+7.5) line. 

Sea Eagles vs Dragons Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Mathew Feagai

In each of Manly's last six matches, the opposition's starting right wing has scored at least one try.

Jason Saab

Jason Saab has scored at least one try in each of his five previous home appearances against the team that was on the bottom of the ladder.

Tyrell Sloan

Tyrell Sloan has scored a try in four of St. George Illawarra's last five matches.

Clayton Faulalo

Clayton Faulalo has scored a try in four of his last five appearances with Manly as a favourite.

Sea Eagles vs Dragons Teams 

Manly Sea Eagles Team List 

1. Tom Trbojevic (c)

2. Jason Saab

3. Josh Feledy

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Clayton Faulalo

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Simione Laiafi

9. Brandon Wakeham

10. Nathan Brown

11. Haumole Olakau'atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jake Simpkin

15. Nicholas Lenaz 

16. Corey Waddell

17. Caleb Navale

18. Onitoni Large

19. Fletcher Baker

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List 

1. Daniel Atkinson

2. Mathew Feagai

3. Moses Suli

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Tyrell Sloan

6. Lyhkan King-Togia

7. Kyle Flanagan

8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga

9. Damien Cook (c)

10. Toby Couchman

11. Dylan Egan 

12. Hamish Stewart

13. Ryan Couchman

14. Connor Muhleisen

15. Josh Kerr

16. Jacob Halangahu

17. Jacob Webster

18. Blake Lawrie

19. Setu Tu

Sea Eagles vs Dragons Match Details 

Date: Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST. 

Location: 4 Pines Park, Sydney.