Round 23: Finals chances on the line as Raiders host on Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles and Raiders are poised to square off in a match that could have significant ramifications on the makeup of the bottom half of the top 8.
Canberra are reminiscing on what could have been, after an arm wrestle against the Bulldogs saw them fall short 22-18. Kaeo Weekes was strong at fullback with a try assist and over 150 running metres, while Jamal Fogarty also picked up a try assist. In the forwards Joseph Tapine had arguably his best game of the season, while Tom Starling, Josh Papalii, Morgan Smithies and Elliot Whitehead were also brilliant. However seeing that many players perform well just makes the loss hurt even more.
Ethan Strange is back for Canberra after being rested last week, dropping Adam Cook to the bench and Danny Levi out of the 17. Zac Hosking's season is over due to shoulder surgery, which gives Ata Mariota another opportunity from the bench.
Manly had the bye in Round 22 to rue their own missed opportunity against the Roosters a week earlier, coming home with a wet sail but leaving their run too late in a 34-30 defeat. Daly Cherry Evans was brilliant, with a try to go along with a dominant running and kicking game, while forwards Taniela Paseka, Jake Trbojevic and Toafofoa Sipley were strong, but it wasn't enough against a Roosters side scoring for fun in the first half.
Lehi Hopoate is back from a facial fracture in a boost for the Sea Eagles, with Tommy Talau to play centres and Ben Trbojevic off the bench. Lachlan Croker is back after a lengthy concussion-enforced layoff, starting at hooker. Haumole Olakau'atu returns from suspension while Reuben Garrick and Jason Saab avoid concussion protocol thanks to the bye.
Manly have reinforced their status as one of the better attacking and defending sides in the competition, averaging 25 points scored (tied-4th best) and 21 conceded (6th best) per game. For Canberra the numbers aren't quite as impactful, at 20 points scored (14th in the league) and 24 conceded (10th best).
Last meeting: Round 9 2024 - Sea Eagles 24 Raiders 26
Who to watch: Jamal Fogarty's return from a bicep tear has been somewhat mixed. His four try assists in three games have been welcomed by a Raiders side struggling for attacking spark, however the dominant kicking game he showed before his injury has yet to reappear. Should he be able to bring both aspects of his game together against Manly, the Raiders will have a strong chance of winning.
As Manly push for finals football, Tom Trbojevic is slowly getting back to his best. In the three games since his return to the fullback position, Turbo has three tries, 6 try assists and has run in excess of 200 metres twice. Manly will need him to be at his best for September, and another 5 star performance against Canberra would prove that the hype is real.
The favourite: Manly are favoured in this one
My tip: Should everything go to program, Manly should be able to get the win in this one. Sea Eagles by 10
