Eagles eye Storm upset

The National Sports

SYDNEY: The Sea Eagles sit one game outside the top eight and need to gain some momentum if they are to play finals with Manly to face the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL) round-16 opener tonight (7.50pm kick-off).
The x-factor in this clash is the availability of a host State of Origin stars — Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans for the Eagles and Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Harry Grant for the Storm.
Munster appears to be in most doubt after picking up a shoulder injury in Origin and his absence would certainly enhance Manly’s chances of picking up an eighth win and keeping the heat on the likes of the Dragons and Rabbitohs.
Regardless of who takes the field the Manly-Melbourne rivalry will be as intense as ever and the middle of the park will be no place for the faint hearted as these two heavyweights go toe-to-toe.
Eagles forward Josh Aloiai suffered a concussion playing for Samoa on Saturday night and will be rested so Sean Keppie moves to the starting side and Taniela Paseka joins the bench.
Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans have been named to back up from Origin as have Tongan representatives Christian Tuipulotu and Tolutau Koula.
Samoan pair Josh Schuster and Marty Taupau and New Zealand’s Kieran Foran have all been named to play tonight.
Ben Trbojevic is listed in the reserves as he nears a return from a shoulder injury for the Eagles.
Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster (shoulder) has been named but looks in serious doubt while his Maroons teammate Felise Kaufusi will miss the game after leaving for the United States to be with his father Taniela, who has been hospitalised in Los Angeles.
Chris Lewis moves into the starting side along with Josh King while Jayden Nikorima joins the bench.
Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named among the reserves after a hamstring injury and could be a late inclusion.
Skipper Jesse Bromwich and brother Kenny along with halfback Jahrome Hughes and lock Brandon Smith have all been named after representing New Zealand, while Tui Kamikamika and Justin Olam are good to go following their Pacific Tests in Campbell on Saturday.
— NRL