Round 13 Predictions: Tough Reality Exposed as Another Manly Star is Absent for Critical Match Against the Broncos

The struggling Sea Eagles have suffered another considerable setback ahead of their Saturday night showdown with the Broncos, as dynamic winger Jason Saab has been ruled out due to illness.

With Saab’s absence, Manly now finds itself without two of its star outside backs, as talented fullback Tom Trbojevic is also sidelined with a thigh injury.

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Historically, when both Saab and Trbojevic are absent from Manly’s lineup, the team has an unfortunate record of 0-9. This statistic hasn’t gone unnoticed by Nine’s panel of experts, most of whom are predicting a resurgence from the Broncos after a recent dip in form to secure a victory at Brookvale.

Joining Saab and Trbojevic on the sidelines is team captain Jake Trbojevic, who is still recovering from a concussion sustained in Manly’s victory over the Cowboys two weeks ago.

All three Origin players slated for the match between Manly and the Broncos are anticipated to play, with Daly Cherry-Evans likely making the squad after a challenging game on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Broncos forwards Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are also expected to feature.

While addressing the media on Friday, Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold remarked that “it shouldn’t matter” that several key players are absent, emphasising his expectations for a commitment to the club’s ardent home supporters.

“It’s tough, as we want our best players on the field,” he stated.

“We’ve lost a few troops, but that shouldn’t matter. We have a strong belief in those who wear the jersey, so I’m expecting a really committed performance.”

“(I want to see) a Manly display where we’re not fixated on the scoreboard, we put in a tremendous effort and have a go for our mates, making it uncomfortable for the opposition, regardless of who they might be.”

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Saab will be substituted on the wing by Clayton Faulalo, while Lehi Hopoate takes over the fullback position for Trbojevic. The backline will also include Tommy Taulau and the regular centre pairing of Reuben Garrick and Tolu Koula.

The Broncos and Sea Eagles currently occupy the eighth and ninth positions on the ladder, both holding 12 points. However, the loser of this match could drop to as low as 13th place depending on the outcomes of other fixtures.

Manly has managed to secure only two victories out of its last seven matches. Although Jake Trbojevic is likely to make his return for next Thursday’s game against Newcastle, his brother may still be unavailable for that clash but is expected to be fit for the subsequent match against the Titans.

“If it were a Sunday match (in round 14), he would definitely play, that’s the only factor the medical team has mentioned to me,” Seibold shared.

“He’ll begin training again today. He’s dealing with the same issue with his leg that he’s had for several weeks; he just needed some rest and we hope he’ll be ready for next Thursday night. It’s not a long-term concern.”

Scroll down for the current leaderboard and Round 13 predictions from all Nine’s expert tipsters!

Andrew Johns: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Warriors, Eels, Raiders

Brad Fittler: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Eels, Roosters, Warriors

Paul Gallen: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Panthers, Roosters

Ruan Sims: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Warriors, Eels, Roosters

Darren Lockyer: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers, Roosters

Peter Psaltis: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Warriors, Eels, Roosters

Mat Thompson: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers, Roosters

Michael Chammas: Dragons, Storm, Tigers, Broncos, Warriors, Panthers, Raiders

The Mole: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Broncos, Warriors, Eels, Raiders

Ben Glover: Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Warriors, Panthers, Raiders