A rivalry that keeps getting bigger

The latest chapter in the Manly versus Canberra saga will be written at Lottoland on Saturday night.

Although the first premiership match dates back to April 4, 1982, at Seiffert Oval, (won 23-13 by Manly) and the Sea Eagle got the better of Canberra in the 1987 Grand Final, all had been fairly quite over the past 55 matches (32 won by the maroon and whites) until what erupted in 2017.

Two classic matches resulting in two Golden Point thrillers. And for Manly fans, two memorable victories.

The first Golden Point battle in round 8 was one of the most talked about games of the 2017 Telstra Premiership season.

Manly centre Dylan Walker became ‘public enemy number one’ in the Nation’s Capital after some aggressive play, a few choice words, crossing for a four pointer, and kicking four goals.

After copping some of the verbal barrage back after missing a goal kick that would have given Manly the lead late in the game, Walker stepped up in golden point to land a 38 metre penalty goal to win the game 20-18 for the Sea Eagles.

Five rounds later, there was plenty of feeling again with the Sea Eagles winning 21-20 at Lottoland.

The Raiders converted a penalty goal to level the scores at 20-all after Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans was penalised in the final minute.

However, Cherry-Evans stepped up to kick the winning field-goal in the third minute of golden point to sink Canberra. 

So, what awaits this Saturday night at Lottoland?

The Sea Eagles will be desperate to erase the horrible performance against Souths, and with the events of the past few days around the NRL Salary Cap Determination, there is nothing better for Manly to thrive on than the 'backs to the wall' mentality.

The team needs the Manly faithful to be out in force once again and to help protect our good record of late at our ‘Fortress’.

Our beloved home ground hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Raiders ever since Manly won 61-20 in 1982 there in the first clash between the two sides on the Northern Beaches. Canberra has won just 10 of the 27 matches at our home ground.

As for Canberra, their immediate focus is on breaking into the winners' circle for the first time this season after losing by a margin of five points in their last three games. Combine that with playing Manly, and the Raiders will be out for a victim.

Secure your tickets now and enjoy a rivalry that just keeps getting bigger and better.

Head to Head

Played 53, Sea Eagles 32, Raiders 20, drawn 1

At Lottoland

Played 27, Sea Eagles 17, Raiders 10