Rugby League

2026-04-26 - Manly Sea Eagles vs Parramatta Eels

A Sports Betting Pick by Stu

Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta eels
Rugby League : Australia : NRL
Sunday 26th April 2025 - KO 1805 AEST

Manly Sea Eagles

Manly’s season continues to evolve around their ever changing spine following the departure of Daly Cherry-Evans. The combination of Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks is still developing, but shows signs of improving cohesion with each outing.

At fullback, captain Tom Trbojevic is ow out for some time with yet another injury to his troublesome Hamstrings which forces Koula to move from the centres to Fullback. He remains one of Sea eagles most damaging attacking weapons, and this change provides Koula with more opportunities with ball in hand.

With his support play no on both sides of the field and ball-running ability capable of breaking open even the most disciplined defensive lines.

After a shockingly bad start to the season forcing the coach out, Manly are now playing with incredible freedom under Foran and their season has turned for the better very quickly. Losing their opening 3 matches has been followed by 3 victories, throw in the points for the bye and Manly are placed 6th

Parramatta Eels

Halfback Mitchell Moses remains central to everything the Eels do, with his kicking game and organisation allowing Parramatta to consistently play on the front foot. Captain Clint Gutherson provides energy and support play from the back, while the Eels forward pack continues to be one of their greatest strengths.

Their ability to win collisions and control possession allows them to build sustained pressure - particularly dangerous against sides still developing combinations.

That said, the Eels have to be the most inconsistent teams in the comp, losing to the Titans two weeks ago by 42 points! To then beat Canterbury 38-20 last weeked – I don’t even think the Eels know what’s about to happen let alone a punter. This places Parramatta 14th on a 3-4 record with a -84 points differential, this is the second worst in the competition.

Odds

Manly are well ahead in the betting $1.35 to $3.20, the line 7.5 points and total points is 53.5 points

The Betting Verdict

The Manly Sea Eagles host the Parramatta Eels this Sunday and both teams enter the clash with similar profiles, capable of dominating through the middle and applying scoreboard pressure through structured play but highly inconsistent.

This contest shapes as a genuine thriller, with both teams capable of piling on points with defence potentially an after thought. Manly’s advantage lies in their attacking upside. With Tolu Koula sweeping around the ruck and linking with their edges, they possess more strike potential, particularly if the game opens up. Their home-ground advantage also plays a role, where they have historically performed strongly.

Parramatta, are not out of any match as we have seen, with Moses kicking game is one of the best in the competition, and if the Eels can pin Manly in their own half, they can limit their outside backs and force errors through sustained pressure, Parra could surprise.

Overall H2H is close with Parramatta holding a slim lead 22-25 and the spoils were shared last season, the home side winning each match, 26-12 to Manly early last season and Eels returning the favour 30-10 mid season.

The key battle will be ruck speed. If Manly generate quick play-the-balls, they can shift the game into a more open contest. If Parramatta slow things down and turn it into a territorial grind, it plays directly into their strengths.

With both teams high attacking prowess, I am picking a high scoring match up here and 53.5 points is likely not enough making this the preferred choice here. Manly should also win at Brookvale by about 10.