NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Sea Eagles

The Green Machine enter round three after a 32-22 victory against the Brisbane Broncos, making two for two wins this season. They will be looking to maintain this winning momentum as they head to 4 Pines Park. 

Manly come off a hard loss in round two after losing to the Warriors and will be aiming to establish themselves as a winning side once again.

Talking points:

• Jamal Fogarty will captain the side again, with Joe Tapine still serving his two-match suspension before he is back on the field in round four.
• The Raiders welcome back Xavier Savage on the wing after his one game suspension.
• Second row Zac Hosking suffered a broken hand in Saturday's clash and will be out for four-to-six weeks.
• Matty Nicholson scored a double on his debut and will secure a spot in the Raiders’ forward pack again this week.
• Manly stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic have both been named to play after suffering injuries in last week's match against the Warriors.

Last time they met:

Last time these two teams went head-to-head, Manly scored a 46-24 win over the Raiders GIO Stadium in round 23, 2024.

Key Match-up

Hudson Young v Haumole Olakuatu

These two boys are no strangers to a hard hit up, carrying their sides to the try line and holding their opponents from scoring.

Both club veterans, these powerhouse backrowers have endured both triumph and disappointment throughout their careers and will both be hungry for a win in round three.

Both second rowers have an impressive defence and attacking record.

Haumole Olakuatu averaged a tackle efficiency last season of 91.6%, with Hudson Young at 88.9%. However, Young wins out in attacking, scoring 10 tries last season to Olakuatu’s seven.

Olakuatu was at his best in round one, showing his strong ball-running ability to effortlessly score the first try in Manly's 42-12 round one victory.

Hudson Young is yet to score a try this season, but with his impressive track record he will no doubt be contributing four points to the scoreboard before long.

On paper, Young trumps Olakuatu in experience and tries, but Olakuatu follows close behind and will no doubt be looking to win the ruck on Sunday night.

This match up will be one not to miss with the Raiders and the Sea Eagles both looking to get the two points and cement their spot in the top eight.

Head-to-head

Since 1998 Canberra and Manly have faced off 39 times, with Canberra claiming victory on 19 occasions. They are hoping this weekend will mark their 20th win against Manly.