Raiders v Sea Eagles preview

Canberra Raiders v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
GIO Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

Can the Raiders keep their season alive or will the Sea Eagles move into the top eight for the first time in 2015?

Throughout 2015 the Raiders have promised so much but have failed to deliver upon the potential. With one of the easier runs home compared to other top eight hopefuls, Canberra remain a possibility to feature in September but should they go down on Sunday their season will be over. In the only change from the side that went down to Wests Tigers on Monday, Edrick Lee returns from suspension in place of former Newcastle centre Joey Leilua who will miss one week for a shoulder charge. Despite being the first player in almost two years to be sent off, David Shillington will be free to play on Sunday. Managing just one win in their past six clashes against Manly, the Raiders will be looking to draw upon their earlier meeting this season where they pulled off a comprehensive win in Albury.

At the halfway mark of the season, the Sea Eagles sat anchored at the bottom of the NRL ladder seemingly destined for their worst finish since the failed Northern Eagles merger. With just four rounds remaining, Manly now find themselves not only in a position to extend their decade long finals record, but make a serious play at the premiership. With Willie Mason sidelined for the next two matches through suspension, Josh Starling will start in the front row while Ligi Sao and Brenton Lawrence will battle it out for a spot on the bench. While a loss wouldn't end the Sea Eagles finals hopes, they would face an uphill battle to make the playoffs, needing to win all their remaining matches.

Last meeting: Round 5 2015 - Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 16 Canberra Raiders 29

Who to watch: Stepping up for his NRL debut last Monday, Mitchell Barnett made an immediate impression for the Raiders. In close to an hour of game time, the versatile forward produced over 100 metres and 20 tackles, whilst also displaying desperation to save a potential Tigers try. While the Raiders face an uphill to remain in touch with the finals, Barnett will be out to show coach Ricky Stuart he is capable of a long career in first grade.

Having started out his professional career in the Raiders Under 20's side alongside the likes of Jack Wighton and Shannon Boyd, Michael Chee Kam will be looking to make the most of his time in the NRL. Set to join Wests Tigers next season, Chee Kam showed his versatility filling in at centre last week, despite his preference to play in the forwards. Displaying ability similar to Brad Takairangi, Chee Kam may provide a spark for the Sea Eagles as they look to continue their strong form of late.

The favourite: Putting together five wins from their past six matches sees the Sea Eagles in prime position to keep their remarkable finals record in tact.

My tip: While the Raiders will be out to rebound from Monday nights disappointment, the Sea Eagles have found form at the right time of the year. Sea Eagles by 14.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Sisa Waqa 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Sam Williams 8. Frank Paul Nuuausala 9. Josh Hodgson 10. David Shillington 11. Josh Papalii 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Shaun Fensom
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Jarrad Kennedy 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Shannon Boyd

1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Peta Hiku 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Starling 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Justin Horo 13. Blake Leary
Interchange: 14. Jesse Sene-Lefao 15. Michael Chee-Kam 16. James Hasson 17. Ligi Sao 18. Brenton Lawrence

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Ricky MacFarlane; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Phillips;

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