Match Centre

Round 23: Canberra v Manly preview

Turbo, or not Turbo: that is Ricky's question

Canberra lost no friends in last week's admirable loss to Melbourne, and more of the same will be required against the red hot Sea Eagles at Suncorp this Friday.

Still agonisingly shy of eighth spot on percentage, a repeat of last month's 4 Pines ambush will go a long way to extending the Raiders' Queensland stay.

Corey Harawira-Naera and Tom Starling toyed with an Origin depleted Manly back in round 17. Now missing due to suspension and injury, Des Hasler would've been optimistic about his side's chances until a crack was identified in Tom Trbojevic's cheekbone.

Call it flying under the radar or smoke and mirrors, in a massive about face, the Dally M Medal favourite's name has found its way on to Hasler's round 23 team sheet. In other changes, still fresh from two tries off the bench against the battling Eels, Moses Suli comes in for the rested Brad Parker, while Toafofoa Sipley is back from suspension to replace rookie prop Kurt de Luis.

Speculation surrounding Turbo's inclusion is likely to swirl like wildfire until at least an hour before kick off. Either way, despite the horrors of the opening four rounds, Manly have shown they can adapt, winning three of their last four outings in the absence of their star fullback.

A victory over the Raiders could decide Manly's top four aspirations. With battlers Canterbury and North Queensland to close out the season, a win here will keep the fourth placed Roosters within reach.

In a blow for Canberra, skipper Jarrod Croker has been ruled out with Seb Kris named to cover at centre. But they do welcome back exciting custodian Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Named on the bench, the fullback is set to return for his first match in the lime green since round 5.

Back at Suncorp for the third time this season, the Raiders will need to up the intensity following an uninspiring victory over the Bulldogs back in Magic Round and upset loss to the Knights earlier this month.

Manly on the other hand have sizzled on Suncorp. Averaging 38 points per game, a loss to Melbourne is the Sea Eagles' only hiccup in four outings in the Queensland capital this season.

Last meeting: Round 17 2021 - Sea Eagles 16 Raiders 30

Who to watch: In a troubled season, Jack Wighton finally returned to his destructive best against the Storm. With only five try assists for the season leading into the game, the Blues utility proved a handful down the left edge to lay on three tries for winger Bailey Simonsson. With 196 games under his belt, the Raiders will be banking on his big game experience in the run home, and his battle this week with Manly's right edge of Morgan Harper and Jason Saab will be one to key an eye on.

Lachlan Croker is the unsung mainstay of Manly's season. The once injury prone Raiders playmaker has played all 21 games this year after featuring in all 20 last season. Often criticised for a lack of metres from dummy-half, the 59 tries to Manly's three outside backs suggests his service is on point. Sometimes alternating with Karl Lawton, the variety against the Raiders could prove a point of difference. Without Starling, Josh Hodgson's full time ruck duties could limit Canberra's variety through the middle.

The favourite: No surprise here, Manly are the raging favourite.

My tip: Although Manly have the wood on the Raiders with six wins from the past eight, more often than not the games go down to the wire. The average margin in six of the last eight is less than a try, and regardless of form both sides seem to grow a leg. The Turbo factor will be immense. Without him, the Raiders will fancy their chances in a dour contest. But if he plays, there'll be too many holes for Canberra to plug. Manly by 16.