Rugby League / James Cleary / 24 June 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Andy Morris believes Penrith will be aiming to maintain their current hot streak when they host fellow top-four surprise packets Manly Sea Eagles at the CUA Stadium.

Having won four of their last five, the Panthers lie second, two points behind leaders St George-Illawarra following their impressive 22 -12 victory at Broncos last Friday, which ended Brisbane's 5-match winning run in the process.

Lachlan Coote, NRL's top try scorer, was outstanding, scoring a try in the first half while also impressing in defence.

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles, who have also won four of their last five, away from home, edged out the Rabbitohs 26-25 thanks to Trent Hodkinson's two field goals in the last three minutes.

The head-to-head in 2009 was 1-1, the Panthers winning 12-10 in March, with Sea Eagles 20-6 away winners just over 12 months ago. Overall, it's 46-25 in Manly's favour, with one draw, while the Sea Eagles have won three of the last four at the Panthers, and five of the last seven.

Panthers have named an unchanged starting 13 from the side selected to face the Broncos. Two from Nathan Smith, Sam McKendry, Gavin Cooper, Frank Puletua, Travis Burns and Masada Iosefa will be omitted from the replacements' bench.

Manly's Jamie Lyon is ruled out for up to a month after picking up an ankle injury last weekend, although they have an able replacement in the form of Dean Whare, the prospect who claimed a hat-trick of tries on his debut. Steve Matai crossed twice last week, despite playing the entire second half with the use of one arm after injuring his shoulder - he faces a late fitness test. Skipper Petero Civoniceva is still a week away from contention, although there has been speculation that he be rushed back for this one.

Looking ahead at what to expect, much of Manly's best work in the attacking areas comes on their left where Steve Matai and Michael Robertson have benefited most. With the Panthers' Michael Gordon and Adrian Purtell prone to missing a tackle, there could be some joy for the visitors here. Likewise, the home-side also have their own left-sided threat in the form of Frank Pritchard and Michael Jennings.

As well as defensive concerns on both sides, the kicking game of either side is likely to decide the outcome. But overall, I take the Panthers to make it five on the spin at CUA Stadium, taking it by eight overall.