Raiders v Sea Eagles preview

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Manly look to get back on track against rapidly improving Raiders.

The Raiders can be one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, when they want to be. This was evident last week, the Bulldogs were dominating up the middle and looked like taking a comfortable win before the energetic Raiders sped away for a big win. The Raiders are of course well renowned for their attack, and they have currently scored a massive 109 points more than the Sea Eagles and much of this has been due to barnstorming attacking weapons Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua. Rapana has scored 10 tries and 15 line breaks in a break out season whilst Leilua scored 4 tries and 4 line breaks and is shaping as one of the most improved players of the year. They have also average 140 and 121 running metres respectively. Both will look to spark the Raiders electrifying attack on a chilly Friday night.

And adjusting to these very cold temperatures will go a long way to determining Manly's performance on Friday night. After a publically poor yet limited performance for NSW on Friday night Dylan Walker will look to spark his side to their first win since that over Newcastle. Walker has scored 3 tries this year and looked more dangerous in his more familiar position at centre. Furthermore, the form of prized half Daly Cherry-Evans has been questionable. DCE has only set up 4 tries, (albeit he has experienced injury) yet he needs to stand up and ignite Manly's attack if they are any hope on Friday night. Manly, however, have won 5 straight at GIO Stadium. 

Last meeting: Round 23 2015 - Raiders 24 Sea Eagles 26

Who to watch: Both Blake Austin and Cherry-Evans have had reasonably quite starts to their 2016 campaigns and both possess enough creativity and flair to get their sides over the line. Whilst Austin is well known for his running game and that step, DCE's kicking game has been vital in Manly's victories in previous years and will need to be on Friday night.

The favourite: Canberra have form and the home ground advantage and are solid favourites.

My tip: Been tossing and turning on this one. Manly are due soon! But, I've actually changed my mind here. In the Canberra cold, if the Raiders get off to a good start they should run away with it. A late switch off though could see Manly come close. Raiders by 4.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Brenko Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 19. Junior Paulo 15. Iosia Soliola 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Luke Bateman
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 11. Josh Papalii 16. Clay Priest 10. Joseph Tapine

1. Brett Stewart 2. Brayden Wiliame 3. Dylan Walker 20. Matthew Wright 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Jamie Lyon 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Darcy Lussick 9. Matt Parcell 10. Nate Myles 11. Lewis Brown 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Apisai Koroisau 15. Josh Starling 16. Brenton Lawrence 17. Siosaia Vave

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea;