NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Sea Eagles
The Canberra Raiders will head into Sunday afternoon’s clash aiming for their fifth consecutive win when they line up against the Manly Sea Eagles at Lottoland.
Canberra head to Manly in search of equalling their 2018 away record and claim their third victory on the road this year.
The Raiders will be looking to add to their successful start to the season after narrowly defeating the Brisbane Broncos 26-22 in Round 6 to remain near the top of the table.
The Sea Eagles will be hoping to bounce back after losing 12-10 in the late stages against their match against the Dragons in Wollongong.
Manly won their previous three matches and will be looking to return to winning ways in front of their home fans.
Last Time: The Raiders defeated the Sea Eagles 21-20 in last year’s round 12 clash between the two sides at GIO Stadium. The Raiders were down 14-12 at half time, yet a late try to Jack Wighton and a field goal from Aidan Sezer saw the Raiders win in the last minute.
Match: Sea Eagles v Raiders
Round 7 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Brendan ElliotFullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
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Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jorge TaufuaWinger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
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Centre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Mosese SuliCentre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
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Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Brad ParkerCentre for Raiders is number 4 Joseph Leilua
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Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben GarrickWinger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana
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Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 20 Lachlan CrokerFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
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Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-EvansHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Sam Williams
Forwards
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Prop for Sea Eagles is number 8 Toafofoa SipleyProp for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
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Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson
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Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Martin TaupauProp for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis Lui
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2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Joel Thompson2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 John Bateman
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2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Curtis Sironen2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
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Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake TrbojevicLock for Raiders is number 13 Ryan Sutton
Interchange
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Manase FainuInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva Havili
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Jack GosiewskiInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Corey WaddellInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Iosia Soliola
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Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Morgan BoyleInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Jack Murchie
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key Match-Ups
Sam Williams v Daly Cherry-Evans
It’ll be a massive battle in the centre of the park as Raiders in-form halfback Sam Williams comes up against Daly Cherry-Evans.
Williams came into the side in Round 3 to replace the injured Aidan Sezer and has been a consistent player in helping the Raiders continue their winning run.
A try against the Knights as well as two field goals in his past four matches has allowed him to retain his spot partnering Wighton in the halves.
Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in helping the Sea Eagles back to winning form, including a successful field goal in golden point against the Rabbitohs in Round 4.
With both halfbacks in tremendous form, the performances of the two playmakers will be crucial for their respective sides.
Coach's Comment: Raiders v Sea Eagles
Joey Leilua v Moses Suli
Joey Leilua will be hoping to continue his impressive try-scoring start to the season when he matches up with Tongan international Moses Suli.
Leilua has notched up four tries in his past six matches, including an impressive double last week against the Broncos to help lead the Raiders to victory.
The Samoan representative has continued to develop his strong partnership with winger Jordan Rapana and will want to continue to impress on the right edge.
Suli will hope to get his second try of the year as he hopes to contribute towards a Manly side that’s looking for their fourth win in five games.
The two powerful centres go head to head in what is sure to be an entertaining matchup as the two look to get on the scoreboard for their sides.
Game Day Guide: Raiders v Sea Eagles
Ryan Sutton v Jake Trbojevic
Another big battle can be found in the centre when Raiders new recruit Ryan Sutton faces NSW representative Jake Trbojevic.
Sutton produced a spectacular performance last weekend against the Broncos, scoring his first try for the club in unique fashion after gathering a loose ball after it ricocheted off Wighton’s head.
The Englishman has excelled since replacing the injured Joe Tapine in the starting lineup in Round 3.
Trbojevic has been a key player in the Sea Eagles defence, making 248 tackles in the first six matches and playing all but five minutes of each game at lock.
The two forwards will be wanting to show their determination and hunger for the ball in what looks to be a close contest at Brookvale Oval this Sunday.
It's [my knee] getting better every day
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Nicoll-Klokstad confident in Knee
Head to Head: The Raiders and Sea Eagles have met on 57 occasions, with Canberra only winning 21 compared to Manly’s 33, with the three remaining matches ending in draws.
