Nathan Brown calls it the biggest regret of his coaching career. Trent Barrett would rather say nothing about it at all.

The round eight meeting between Manly and Newcastle at Hunter Stadium was, however, always one that was going to stand out on the NRL calendar no matter how both clubs were travelling.

"I think Brownie is sick of it": Firman. Credit:Screen grab

As it turns out neither is setting the world on fire – the Sea Eagles are short of spark without their injured halfback Daly Cherry-Evans and the Knights are glued to the bottom end of the premiership ladder after a 53-0 flogging by Brisbane.

Hardly match of the round material, but Monday night's clash still shapes as compelling simply because of the history of the duo in the respective coaching boxes.