Sea Eagles keen to consolidate finals spot in Canberra

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will be looking to further consolidate their position in the NRL top eight when they tackle the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

We take a look at some of the key points in our Pointsbet preview.

Team News

Winger Lehi Hopoate returns from a facial injury suffered against the Titans in round 20, with Tommy Talau moving to the centres. Hooker Lachlan Croker makes his long awaited return from concussion symptoms and back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu returns from suspension. Reuben Garrick and Jason Saab have been named to play after suffering head knocks against the Roosters in Round 21. 

Form Guide

Ladder position: Sea Eagles 7th (27 points); Raiders 10th (24 points)

Head to Head since 1998 (NRL era): Played 38: Sea Eagles 22, Raiders 16

Last Round: Bulldogs 22 d Raiders 18; Manly bye

Last 5 premiership games: Sea Eagles 3 wins, Raiders 2 wins

Last Time We Met: Raiders 26 d Sea Eagles 24, 4 Pines Park, Rd 9, 2024

A century for Lawton

Karl Lawton brings up his 100th NRL game against the Raiders on Saturday.

Lawton has played 54 matches for the Sea Eagles and has been a very good servant in the second-row or hooker. He is the type of versatile player every team needs.

It is a well deserved reward for the popular and respected clubman.

Welcome back, Lachlan

How good will be it to see workhorse hooker Lachlan Croker in the Manly jersey again in his first game back after suffering concussion in round nine against the Raiders in May. 

Croker opened up on Monday about his post concussion experiences from an associated neck injury that left the 27-year-old unsure of when he would return.

There will be no bigger cheer than that coming from the Croker family from Crookwell when Lachlan runs out again for the Sea Eagles. 

Turbo time

Tom Trbojevic will be looking to add to his try scoring feats of late against the Raiders. 'Turbo' has scored six tries in his past four games against Canberra, including a hat-trick in Manly's 42-14 win at GIO Stadium last year.

Three grades for Sea Eagles

It will be a big day for the Manly club with the Sea Eagles involved in three games in Canberra.

The Sea Eagles always attract a huge following of supporters in Canberra, so why not get there early and support our very talented Jersey Flegg team in their charge to the finals.

Following the NRL game, the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles will take to the field at 5.15pm against the Raiders.

Match Day Times, GIO Stadium

10.30am Jersey Flegg: Sea Eagles (5th) vs Raiders (1st)

12.45pm NRLW Rd 3: Raiders (5th) vs Sharks (2nd)

3pm NRL: Sea Eagles (7th) vs Raiders (10th)

5.15pm NSW Cup: Sea Eagles (9th) vs Raiders (2nd)