Roar Guru
A 78th minute try from Brett Stewart gave Manly a luck escape in their 26-24 win over the Canberra Raiders, keeping their finals hopes alive.
>>MATCH REPORT: Lucky Manly continue NRL finals run
Canberra 24 def. by Manly 26
The seventh placed Canberra Raiders host the in-form Manly Sea Eagles in a do-or-die match for both sides’ chances of playing in September. Join The Roar for all the action from 2:00pm (AEST)
The Raiders come into this game off a disappointing loss at home to the Tigers.
In contrast Manly are running hot, having won two in a row – firstly, smashing the ladder-leading Broncos, then dismissing the defending premiers, Souths.
Edrick Lee returns for the Raiders, with Sisa Waqa moving into the centres while Joey Leilua serves a suspension.
For Manly, Josh Starling starts in the front row for the suspended Willie Mason, with Ligi Sao on the bench.
For the Raiders to finally win at home, their halves have to control the tempo. For Manly the key man are obviously Daly Cherry-Evans, Brett Stewart and Kieran Foran. Manly’s forwards, led by rookie Jake Trbojevic, need to dominate the middle to give their backs the momentum to capitalise on field advantage.
Prediction
Manly’s forwards should prove too strong for the Raiders big boys and make it three on the trot.
Manly by 16.
Can the Raiders break their home-ground drought, or will Manly extend their winning run? Join The Roar from 2:00pm (AEST) for updates and debate in our live blog.