NRL Finals Race: Manly's Hopes Hinge on Dragons Clash

The Manly Sea Eagles' NRL finals dreams hang precariously in the balance as they prepare to face the last-placed St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday night. A victory is essential for the Sea Eagles to keep their hopes of a top-eight finish alive in the penultimate round of the 2026 season.

The stakes are high not only for Manly but also for the wider competition, as the Panthers are set to play the Bulldogs in a subsequent match. That clash is expected to significantly influence the final standings within the top eight, adding further pressure to this weekend's fixtures.

Team news reveals potential changes for both sides. Manly may hand an NRL debut to 19-year-old Onitoni Large, who has been named on the bench. This comes after an injury to Tolu Koula shifted Josh Feledey into the starting centre position. For the Dragons, Connor Muhleisen is listed on the bench, potentially marking his first NRL game in two years following a recovery from a torn ACL.

This Friday night fixture is part of a crucial period in the NRL season, where every game carries significant weight for teams vying for a finals berth. The Sea Eagles, in particular, cannot afford any slip-ups as they navigate these critical final rounds.