It’s been a tough month for Manly in terms of opposition as they’ve had to face the top three sides in the past four weeks.
They lost to Rabbitohs (20-12) and Roosters (16-4) in rounds 7 and 9 and went to Golden Point time last Monday night against Melbourne but were unable to break the deadlock with the game finishing 10 all.
Their only win in the past four rounds has come over St. George 24-18.
In each of these games, Manly have been typically physical and competitive but have missed the attacking prowess of injured full-back, Brett Stewart.
Over the corresponding period the Canberra Raiders have posted wins over Melbourne (24-20) and Newcastle (44-14) and recorded losses to North Qld (30-12) and last week, to Sharks (30-20).
The two losses have come when playing away and they are faced with one of the toughest road trips of the competition this week.
Whilst Manly hold a dominant 6-1 record over their opposition since 2007, there hasn’t been a great deal between the two sides in more recent times and the past two clashes (both to Manly) have results in total match points of 20 and 30 points only.
The Raiders are a capable side but will have to address their poor away form (1-4) and won’t get the chance to do that against Manly at Brookvale.
Odds Comparison by NRL odds:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Manly Sea Eagles | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.44 | 1.45 | 1.45 | 1.44 |
|
Canberra Raiders
|
2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 | 2.85 |
Teams:
Manly Sea Eagles:
Peta Hiku, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: David Gower, Tom Symonds, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose
Canberra Raiders:
Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jack Wighton, Blake Ferguson, Edrick Lee, Terry Campese (c), Josh McCrone, David Shillington, Shaun Berrigan, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Joel Thompson, Shaun Fensom: Interchange: Anthony Milford, Joe Picker, Dane Tilse, Paul Vaughan, Sam Williams, Jarrad Kennedy, Jake Foster
