Intrust Super Shute Shield: Week 1 Finals 1st Grade Match Previews

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