NRL Pro Punter Previews - Sea Eagles v Raiders, Round 9

Friday's early game:

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders
Friday 6:00pm

Sea Eagles 1.38
Raiders 3.05
Sea Eagles -8.5 / Raiders +8.5

Bet Right Markets

** DCE cleared to play ***

Manly have lost a key attacking weapons in the form of Olakau'atu, but they do welcome back Sipley in the middle. Still, Manly were far from convincing last weekend against the Eels and it was really only Sivo’s brain explosion that allowed Manly to wrap up the win. Although DCE being cleared is a massive inclusion, I do think the line here is a little too big, with Manly’ recent form patchy at best.

As for the Raiders, their season is in free-fall after they put together their worst two back-to-back performances of the year. While a lot of attention has been on how their young guns are struggling, it was Tapine and Papali’I that disappointed me the most last weekend. I am expecting their experienced forwards to stand up and be counted this weekend.

But on my ratings, the depleted Manly line up in ripe for the picking here. Olakau'atu is their key strike weapon on the fringe of the ruck. With Manly already missing Ben T and Schuster not even making it to first grade this year (plus an aging Jake T), the Raiders forwards can definitely match Manly in the middle and may have some luck on the fringes.

I like that Coach Ricky has opted for some more experience out wide. More importantly, he has opted for size and power. Hoppa and Cotric are big bodies that will provide plenty of go forward early in the sets, which is something Sharks and Panthers have done so effectively in recent times.

Manly should win here, but I think the line has gotten a bit too big.

Predicted score: 24 Sea Eagles - Raiders 16

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