Minor premiers Manly will need to overcome an inconsistent finish to the regular season when they host sixth placed Eastwood in the opening match of the 2017 playoffs.

After starting the year with nine straight wins, the Marlins have won just two of their last four matches and have leaked on average 32 points a game in the back end of the season, compared to just 18 points a match in the opening nine rounds.

While coach Billy Melrose has rested players over the last two weeks, the Marlins still have a few injury concerns heading into the finals. Halfback Matt Lucas won’t play again for Manly this year, while Mitch Lewis, Gunnz Fuavao, Kotoni Ale, Cam Bailey and Josh Turner were all in doubt earlier this week.

Eastwood have also struggled in the back end of the regular season since losing flyhalf Jai Ayoub to a season ending injury.

After testing a number of combinations, Blake Sutton was handed the vacant No.10 jersey a month ago and while results haven’t gone the Woodies way, Eastwood’s attack has looked more consistent since the new playmaker took reign.

In a rematch of the 2015 grand final, Eastwood must start well and allow Tom Hill to keep the scoreboard ticking over with the boot. If they can do that and trouble the Manly defence, we could have a game on our hands.

Manly (1) v Eastwood (6) – Saturday, 3:10pm

Manly (1-15)

Sio Tatola/Mitch Lewis, James Hilterbrand, Alex Westgarth/Gunnz Fuavao, Junior Palau, Adrian Hall, Harry Bergelin, Sam Shires/Kotoni Ale, Dan Alley, Tim Donlan, Sam Lane, Tom Chesters, Kevin Fuavao, Dennis Pili-Gaitau, Jacob Woodhouse/Cam Bailey, Josh Turner/Jacob Woodhouse.

Eastwood (1-15)

Jed Gillespie, Hugh Roach, Rob Lagudi, James Neale, Adam Campbell, Michael Kovacic, Tevita Piukala, George Kent, Matt Gonzalez, Blake Sutton, Zac Mackay, Tom Hill, Mike McDougall, Fabian Goodall, Liam Windon.