Round 23: Raiders v Sea Eagles preview
Old foes face off in top four showdown
Gaining plenty of plaudits as two of the most impressive teams in the premiership this season, the Canberra Raiders will host the Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon in a clash set to see the winner confirm a top four finish.
Recovering from an 18-0 deficit to claim the scalp of Melbourne last Saturday, the Canberra Raiders will be looking to follow up their 22-18 victory at AAMI Park by overcoming a dismal record against their 1987 grand final opponents.
Managing just seven wins from 24 clashes against the Sea Eagles over the past 15 years, coach Ricky Stuart will be hoping his side can conjure a similar effort from when the two teams faced off at GIO Stadium last season, where a clutch field goal from Aidan Sezer with 20 seconds remaining saw the Raiders emerge with a 21-20 victory.
Currently sitting in third position as the lone team on 30 competition points, a win would see the Raiders all but assured of a second chance in September - irrespective of their final two home-and-away matches - while a loss would allow the side to hold their position due to a strong for-and-against differential.
Making one change from the team that triumphed in Melbourne last week, impressive youngster Hudson Young will make his first NRL appearance since serving a five-match ban as part of a reshuffle that sees Ryan Sutton start place of Joe Tapine (rib injury).
Bouncing back into form with a comprehensive 32-12 win over the Tigers last Thursday, the Manly Sea Eagles will be well-rested as they fight to secure a place in the top four.
Holding a strong record over the Raiders with four wins from their previous five meetings at all venues, the prospect of travelling to the nation's capital has proven to be far from daunting for the Sea Eagles after claiming six wins from nine matches at GIO Stadium in the years following Des Hasler's initial appointment as Manly coach.
Tied on 28 competition points alongside South Sydney and Parramatta, victory would see the Sea Eagles remain in fourth position due to Canberra's superior for-and-against differential, while a loss could see the side finish the round as low as sixth in the worst possible outcome.
Unchanged from the side that triumphed at Lottoland last Thursday, Curtis Sironen and Brad Parker look set to return for next week's highly anticipated rematch against the Storm.
Last meeting: Round 7 2019 - Sea Eagles 24 Raiders 20
Who to watch: Set to play his 150th game in the NRL on Sunday afternoon, Canberra playmaker Aidan Sezer will be intent on outclassing the incumbent Australian halfback. Establishing his claim as Ricky Stuart's preferred number seven after turning out for Mounties earlier in the season due to Sam Williams' strong form, the 28-year-old City Origin and Indigenous All Stars representative has shown his class against the Sea Eagles previously after slotting a drop goal in the dying stages when the two teams last clashed at GIO Stadium. Expected to take up a deal in England at the end of 2019, look for Sezer to give a strong account of himself as he strives to deliver a premiership to the ACT for the first time in 25 years.
Standing up as an unsung hero whenever called upon this season, utility back Brendan Elliot has embodied the revitalisation of the Sea Eagles under Des Hasler. Unable to cement a permanent position across stints with the Roosters, Knights and Titans after debuting midway through 2014, the 25-year-old Queenslander has provided consistent service in the absence of higher profile names to play a crucial role in transforming Manly from wooden spoon contenders to top four hopefuls in the space of 12 months. Called upon to play centre with Brad Parker sidelined with a knee issue, look for Elliot to make the most of his opportunity on Sunday as he fights to hold his position in the starting side in the run towards September.
The favourite: Coming into serious calculations for the premiership after knocking off Melbourne in inspired fashion last week, the Raiders are favoured to prevail despite a poor record against the Sea Eagles in recent times.
My tip: After riding an emotional high following last week's stunning victory over Melbourne at AAMI Park, look for the Raiders to announce their premiership ambitions with another inspired performance. Raiders by 8.
