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Big changes for Manly

Big changes for Manly

03/16/2010 06:32:21 AM

With his side hit by injury and suspension, Manly coach Des Hasler has been forced to make six positional changes to his side to meet Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.

Winger David Williams (collarbone) and fullback Brett Stewart (knee) are out for extended periods, while in-form prop George Rose faces at least a week on the sideline after being charged with a careless high tackle following the loss to the Tigers on Monday night.

Michael Robertson will switch from wing to fullback, centre Tony Williams moves to the wing with Chris Bailey replacing him in the centres.

Interchange forward Shane Rodney will start in the second-row with Joe Galuvao and Matt Cross winning spots on the bench.

Rose has been named on an extended bench in the unlikely hope he will have his careless high tackle charge downloaded – should the Sea Eagles decide to fight the case at the NRL judiciary.

"It’s been a fairly disruptive start for us but this team has overcome hurdles before," coach Des Hasler told Sportal.

"Parra are coming off a loss like us and will be extremely hard to beat, but we’ll be up for it."

Local Eels junior Brendan Oake gets first shot at replacing back-rower Shane Shackleton, ruled out for the season after suffering a horrific hamstring injury in the first round loss to the Dragons.

"It is a terrible and horrific injury for Shane…to be out for the season so early on is devastating. It does open the door for Brendan though," Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson said.

"It’s a great opportunity for him as he has not played first grade since round 11 last year so I’m looking forward to his contribution to the team."

Former Cronulla five-eighth Blake Green will deputise at hooker for the suspended Michael Ennis when the Bulldogs take on the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Friday night.

Winger Bryson Goodwin return from a toe injury and will assume goal-kicking duties from Ennis.

The Dogs were bitterly disappointing in slumping to a shock first-round loss to Newcastle.

"It’s pretty straightforward for us this week. We were really disappointed with our effort against the Knights and we need to get things on track with a strong team effort on Friday night," coach Kevin Moore said.

The Dragons have called veteran rake Luke Priddis in to replace Nathan Fien, who broke his leg during the win over Parramatta.

"It's extremely disappointing for 'Fiensy', he is a great player and a great guy", Priddis said on Tuesday.

"I'm looking forward to having a run on Friday night, especially at a packed WIN Stadium and against the Bulldogs who are always a tough prospect, no matter when or where you play them."

Titans livewire Preston Campbell has been chosen in the team to meet Souths at ANZ Stadium on Friday despite suffering a heavy head knock during the win over the Warriors last Sunday.

Prop Matt White has been added to an 18-man squad.

South Sydney has number of injury issues with Eddy Pettybourne (jaw) and Colin Best (ribs) both out of action.

Ben Lowe will start at lock in place of Pettybourne, pushing Sam Burgess to the second-row.

Junior Vaivai comes into the centres for Best, with Heath Ledger look-a-like Dave Tyrrell added to the bench.

Prop Luke Douglas will play his 100th consecutive match when Cronulla take on the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Sharks

 
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