The Auckland Vulcans make their way to Brookvale Oval to take on a struggling Manly Sea Eagles side, tomorrow at 3pm (5pm NZT).

The round 17 clash is the second between the two this season, the previous encounter ended with a 48-24 margin in favour of the men from Mount Smart.

A victory at home last week against the Western Suburbs Magpies helped the Vulcans to snap a three game losing streak, something they will certainly look to build on.

Ukuma Ta'ai and Sebastine Ikahihifo return from injury to bolster an already impressive forward pack, while Atelea Nafetalai is set to make his first appearance, at centre.

Manly have done it tough this season, but a victory over the Vulcans could very well be the lifeline they need to make a last-gasp run for the finals.

For the Aucklanders, this match holds equal importance. Having spent two weeks outside the top-eight, Ricky Henry's men will be desperate to put on that season-changing performance.

An exciting battle is set to take place between half-backs Pita Godinet and Gary Riccardi, one an orthodox conductor of play, the other an unpredictable excitement machine.

The biggest challenge for the Vulcans is perhaps a mental one. A 'million-dollar' performance in the opening stanza last week - which had Western Suburns trailing 24-0 at half time - was followed by a sluggish effort that allowed the winless Magpies to score two soft tries.

Although Manly currently sits second from the bottom of the table, Auckland will need to produce a far more consistent performance to secure victory in this one.

With six of the top-eight teams awaiting the Vulcans in the final rounds of 2012, the Vulcans need to start peaking as we head into the business end of the season.

Auckland Vulcans

1. James Blackwell
2. Dylan Collier
3. Rusty Bristow
4. Atelea Nafetalai
5. Ivan Penehe
6. Steve Waetford
7. Pita Godinet
8. Ukuma Ta'ai
9. Aaron Nootai
10. Daniel Palavi
11. Agnatius Paasi
12. Sam Lousi
13. Sebastine Ikahihifo

14. Murray Iti
15. Arden McCarthy
16. Upu Poching
17. SJ Bristow
18. Siliva Havili

Coach: Ricky Henry

Manly Sea Eagles

1. Scott Blanch
2. Michael Oldfield
3. Ben Shorter
4. Rhys Wollaghan
5. Domenic Nasso
6. Liam Foran (c)
7. Gary Riccardi
8. Magnus Stromquist
9. Liam Higgins
10. Tim Robinson
11. Jason Annear
12. Tim Burrell
13. Nick Skinner

14. Ben Falcone
15. James Cunningham
16. Jamie Anderson
17. Junior Palau
18. Sebastian Volous
19. Michael Chapman

COACH: Cliff Lyons