Fittler reveals snub that can spur major upset win

League fable Brad Fittler says determination is simply a mode Manly tin halt the Penrith juggernaut successful a blockbuster opening to circular 24 connected Thursday.

The table-topping Panthers person mislaid lone 1 crippled since circular nine, and are steaming towards a 3rd consecutive premiership.

The Sea Eagles beryllium 11th connected the NRL ladder and are 1 of respective teams warring for the fewer spots inactive up for grabs successful the apical 8 earlier finals.

READ MORE: Ex Matildas skipper fumes astatine nationalist vacation 'legacy'

READ MORE: Lockyer's fearfulness for Broncos amid Haas wage saga

READ MORE: Four-time AFL premiership prima announces retirement

A boilover against the Panthers successful Brookvale connected Thursday would spell a agelong mode to clinching September action, and Fittler says Manly's hopes remainder connected halfback and skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

"There is nary uncertainty DCE losing the Australian occupation (to Nathan Cleary astatine past year's World Cup) has acceptable a spark nether him," Fittler told Wide World of Sports.

Cherry-Evans volition spell caput to caput with Penrith superstar Cleary connected Thursday.

Stream the NRL premiership 2023 unrecorded and escaped connected 9Now

Fittler says the Sea Eagles indispensable instrumentality vantage of the tallness vantage connected their close wing, wherever 199-centimetre flyer Jason Saab volition beryllium marked by his overmuch shorter hostile Sunia Turuva.

"(Cherry-Evans) conscionable kicks well determination (at Brookvale) each the time, helium knows the crushed well," Fittler said.

"They've got to spell to Saab, he volition beryllium connected Turuva's side.

"DCE has done immoderate things this twelvemonth wherever arsenic a halfback, if you footwear good you tin person arsenic large an interaction connected the crippled arsenic anyone. He needs to get it each right."

While Fittler says Manly tin triumph the game, some helium and Andrew Johns are tipping a choky Panthers victory.

Here are Nine's adept tips for circular 24.

Stream the NRLW premiership 2023 unrecorded and escaped connected 9Now

Which past leader does your squad request to triumph a Premiership? Freddy & The Eighth - EP22

ANDREW JOHNS: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Dragons, Warriors, Dolphins, Storm, Knights

BRAD FITTLER: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights

DARREN LOCKYER: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights

PAUL GALLEN: Sea Eagles, Sharks, Eels, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Roosters, Storm, Bulldogs

BILLY SLATER: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights

PETER PSALTIS: Panthers, Titans, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Dolphins, Storm, Knights

DAVID MIDDLETON: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights

MATTHEW THOMPSON: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights

MICHAEL CHAMMAS: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Bulldogs

THE MOLE: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights

BEN GLOVER: Panthers, Sharks, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Knights