FRIDAY, MAY 3rd, 2024 4 PINES PARK,MANLY
Sea Eagles vs. Raiders: Key Player Updates and Match Preview
Following a demoralizing 40-point shutout by the Sharks last week, the Raiders are set for a challenging journey to 4 Pines Park to confront an in-form Sea Eagles side.
The Green Machine experienced a rough transition without the injured Jamal Fogarty, struggling to create meaningful opportunities with the ball, while a staggering 64 missed tackles in Round 8 underscored deeper issues.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope for reinforcements this week, as veteran forward Elliott Whitehead is expected to be declared fit to face Manly.
On the other hand, the Sea Eagles have remained undefeated over the past month, securing a late victory against the Eels with a 32-18 win, propelling them to fourth place on the ladder as Round 9 approaches.
But with key forward Haumole Olakau’atu accepting a 2 game ban, coach Anthony Seibold will be sweating on the outcome of skipper Daly Cherry-Evans’ bid to have the grading for his role in the same tackle downgraded on Tuesday night.
Daly Cherry-Evans Cleared to Face Raiders After Tackle Controversy
Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans is cleared to face the Raiders on Friday night, escaping what could have been the first suspension in his illustrious 313-game career.
Cherry-Evans was charged with a grade two dangerous throw following a tackle on Parramatta’s Shaun Lane, resulting in teammate Haumole Olakau’atu’s sin-binning and subsequent two-game suspension.
In a rare move, Cherry-Evans, who faced only his second-ever charge, opted to plead guilty while seeking a downgrade. Successfully, he is now available for this weekend’s match.
For the Raiders, this marks their first visit to Manly’s traditional home since 2021. Historically, their record at the venue isn’t favorable, having won just three of their past 10 encounters, while the Sea Eagles remain unbeaten there this year.
Raiders Seek Redemption after Sharks Defeat
After last week’s 40-0 defeat against the Sharks, Coach Ricky Stuart has implemented several changes. Albert Hopoate replaces rookie Chevy Stewart at fullback, while veteran Nick Cotric steps in for James Schiller on the wing. Additionally, Elliott Whitehead’s return from injury in the second row results in Simi Sasagi being omitted from the 17.
Key Stats and Milestones Ahead of Sea Eagles vs. Raiders Clash
The Sea Eagles have won three of their past four games against the Raiders.
The Raiders have conceded 74 points in their past two games.
The Sea Eagles have scored 139 points in their past four games at 4 Pines Park.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has won only two of his past nine games at 4 Pines Park.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold will reach the milestone of 100 NRL games as coach.
Manly Starting Line-up
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Tommy Talau 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Ethan Bullemor 12. Corey Waddell 13. Jake Trbojevic , 14. Karl Lawton 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Nathan Brown 17. Matthew Lodge , 18. Aaron Woods 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Jaxson Paulo 21. Ben Condon 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Raiders Starting Lineup
1. Albert Hopoate 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Nick Cotric 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies , 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Emre Guler , 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Peter Hola 20. Zac Woolford 21. James Schiller 22. Hohepa Puru
Referee, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Wyatt Raymond ,Bunker, Adam Gee
Prediction
Last week, the Sea Eagles displayed their strength in a gritty win against the Eels, whereas the Raiders suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Sharks. Despite the Raiders’ potential for improvement after a week of introspection, it remains to be seen if they can bounce back effectively.
Will they bounce back well enough to beat the Sea Eagles?
Probably not.
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