Traditional rivals Parramatta Eels and the Manly Sea Eagles clash at Pirtek Stadium in the second game of the 2015 NRL season.
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Fierce opponents in the 1980s, these two clubs are expecting plenty of fireworks when Manly life member Anthony Watmough plays his first game for the Eels since shifting west.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Parramatta are coached by former Sea Eagles assistant coach Brad Arthur, who reportedly Manly are keen to install as their head coach. And the Eels are also one of the clubs chasing Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran, so there will be no quarter given at Pirtek from either team.
Manly finished 2014 poorly by their standards, losing in extra-time to grand finalists Canterbury, and will have big hopes for the new season. They have lost veterans Watmough, Glenn Stewart and Jason King, but they have been boosted by the arrivals of Willie Mason and Feleti Mateo.
It is a Sea Eagles side in transition but they still have plenty of weapons across the park, including fullback Brett Stewart and centre Jamie Lyon.
Parramatta come into the match without their star and talisman, Jarryd Hayne, who has defected to the NFL. Hayne carried the Eels for years so it will be interesting to see how they cope without the flyer.
Former Manly winger Will Hopoate will take the reins at fullback, while the Eels will want to make the top eight after finishing 10th last year. They started the 2014 season strongly but struggled for consistency, and will be aiming for semi-finals football this time round.
Thirteen players left Parramatta at the end of last season and 10 new faces have arrived, a huge amount of turnover at the club. Of the new signings the likes of Danny Wicks, Brad Takairangi, Beau Champion and Isaac De Gois could feature against the Sea Eagles.
Manly has been under a lot of pressure to retain its star halves Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans for 2016. But the northern beaches outfit is an expert at putting off-field drama aside and concentrating on the on-field action. The 2013 NRL grand finalists should be too strong for the Eels on Friday.
Where: Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta
When: 8.45am GMT Friday (7.45pm local)
Watch live: Premier Sports
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