Sea Eagles v Bulldogs preview - 2017 Round 4

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Last start winners battle for even record after four rounds.

Both Manly and Canterbury come into this contest having notched their first wins of the season - the Sea Eagles mightily impressive in accounting for a depleted Cowboys outfit (in Townsville no less), while the Bulldogs ground out a "home" victory over the Warriors on the road in Dunedin.

Of these performances, Manly's was comfortably the more impressive one, travelling to the tropical north and delivering a comfortable win over a higher-rated opposition. While the Cowboys were suffering an injury crisis of sorts, the Sea Eagles shut the home side out for some 50 minutes after conceding just eight points early.

What's concerning for the Eagles however, is their form leading into that game. They were competitive against Parramatta while never looking much like winning, before falling apart against a Rabbitohs outfit expected to struggle without Greg Inglis. The other worry is the Eagles' home form - they've struggled at Brookvale in the last 18 months, winning just three from twelve since the start of the 2016 season.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are tough to get a good read on. They competed valiantly against heavyweight contenders Melbourne and the Roosters, but ultimately fell short with some concerning attack. Their win last Friday over the Warriors was ultimately a gritty one built on solid defence (and admittedly pedestrian opposition attack) and wearing down their opposition.

A good recent record at Brookvale will have the visitors confident - they've lost only two of seven there since 2010.

Last meeting: Round 23 2016 - Bulldogs 20 Sea Eagles 16

Canterbury are on a six-game run against the maroon-and-whites, dating back to the second of three contests in 2014. Overall Manly hold a narrow lead since 1947, winning 70 games to the ‘Dogs 64 with five draws. The visitors have been to Brookvale 62 times overall and have won just 21 matches.

Who to watch: There are a few milestones being celebrated at Lottoland this weekend.

Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans will play his 150th NRL match as he squares up against former coach Des Hasler. The lanky number seven stepped up in last weekends' upset win and will look to carry his good form into this milestone match. He finished with over 200 kick metres and laid on the side's opening try with a clever grubber for winger Jorge Taufua - just moments after nailing a 40/20 kick.

Bulldogs winger Brett Morris will be celebrating his 200th NRL game on Saturday, some seven years after tasting premiership glory with his former club St. George Illawarra. Along with twin brother Josh, he started his career in the Red V before switching to their cross-town rivals at Belmore, albeit much later in his career. He's bagged 134 tries across his two-club career dating back to 2006, with 22 of those coming in his 30 matches in the blue-and-white, including 3 tries across as many appearances in 2017.

The favourite: The money for this one is fairly evenly split - the Bulldogs opened as favourites but the Eagles have drawn closer with each passing minute and it's almost impossible to tip.

My tip: This is one of those games, much like Cronulla v St George Illawarra, where form seems to matter little. The Manly-Canterbury rivalry may not be what it was, but that won't stop these two from a knock-down, drag-em-out contest which could ultimately go either way. Bulldogs in golden point.

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Brian Kelly 5. Akuila Uate 6. Blake Green 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brenton Lawrence 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Frank Winterstein 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Lewis Brown 15. Nate Myles 16. Jackson Hastings 17. Addin Fonua-blake

1. Brad Abbey 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Brenko Lee 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Danny Fualalo 16. Adam Elliot 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner

Referees: Gavin Badger, Jon Stone; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Bryan Norrie;