NRL Match Preview
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 Brookvale Oval.
Canberra head to Manly in search of equalling their 2017 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 at the top of the table.
The Sea Eagles will be hoping to bounce back after losing 12-10 in the late stages against of their match against the Dragons in Wollongong.
Emre Guler and Jack Murchie have both been named to make their first appearance of the season after both were named on the interchange with JJ Collins and Hudson Young dropping back to the extended bench.
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 Aiden Sezer saw the Raiders win in the last minute.
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 Aiden 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 cement his spot partnering Wighton in the halves.
Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in helping the Sea Eagles back to a winning form, including a successful field goal in golden point against the Rabbitohs in Round 4.
With both halfbacks in tremendous form, expect to see both players playing key roles both on and off the ball hoping to inspire their teams to victory this Sunday.
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 double his try count from 2017 and get his second of the year in hopes of contributing towards a Manly side that’s looking for their fourth win in five games.
The two centres will be hoping to be influential in this weekend’s clash and will both be hoping to get on the board.
Ryan Sutton v Jake Trbojevic
Another big battle can be found in the centre when Raiders new recruit Ryan Sutton faces off against 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 cemented his spot in the starting line-up since replacing the injured Joe Tapine 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.
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.
