The Manly Sea Eagles gear up to face the Canberra Raiders at 4 Pines Park on Sunday, March 23, 2025, aiming to bounce back from their recent defeat against the Warriors. The match promises excitement, as both teams enter the contest with different trajectories this season. Despite their loss, Manly remains confident, heavily relying on their stars Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans, who have recovered from injuries just in time for the clash.
Last weekend, the Sea Eagles experienced disheartening circumstances against the Warriors, suffering not only the loss (46-24) but also injuries to key players. Trbojevic and Cherry-Evans left the field against the Warriors, raising concerns about their availability. Fortunately, scans have cleared both players of serious injury, and they will be monitored throughout the week but are expected to play on Sunday night.
During their loss to the Warriors, Manly identified 12 errors, which they understand will be unacceptable against the Raiders. Coach Anthony Seibold emphasized, “If we’re not careful, the Raiders will exploit our mistakes.” A victory this weekend would not only boost morale but also prove their resilience as they strive for consistency this season.
Meanwhile, the Canberra Raiders arrive at Manly with momentum after defeating the Broncos decisively at GIO Stadium. Their confidence is high, having won their last two contests and looking to carry this winning streak to 4 Pines Park. Coach Ricky Stuart's side proved its mettle, displaying strong performance and teamwork, particularly from their forward pack, which outperformed the Broncos.
The Raiders are also welcoming back speedster Xavier Savage from suspension, who will take the field as the fullback, replacing Albert Hopoate. Stuart has made other changes as well, with Matty Nicholson retaining his spot after impressing with two tries during his debut against Brisbane. Zac Hosking, unfortunately, will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a broken hand, which puts pressure on the rest of the forwards to maintain their dominance.
Facing off against the Sea Eagles, Canberra will rely on their dynamic gameplay, knowing they have beaten Manly at this venue before. The Raiders are one of only two teams to successfully tackle the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park last year, giving them additional motivation. One of the highlights will be Josh Papalii, who plans to extend his legacy by reaching the second spot on the club’s all-time appearance list.
This contest is more than just numbers—it’s about the thrill of NRL matches, where both teams showcase determination. The Sea Eagles, with their star duo now cleared to play, will be charged with seeking revenge, especially remembering their previous triumph against the Raiders. Tom Trbojevic, who has scored 15 tries across 12 games against Canberra, is also positioned to become Manly’s key player.
Fans can look forward to seeing Trbojevic and Cherry-Evans on the field, as their presence is pivotal for any potential victory. With the line-up for the Sea Eagles confirmed, including the notable return of Tolu Koula (returning from his thigh injury), their strategy will involve maximizing offensive plays and minimizing mistakes, which already proved costly against the Warriors.
On the other hand, the Raiders continue to leverage their strength, keeping close tabs on opposing players. Although Stuart's side has had some challenges with player suspensions and injuries, their resolve has shown promise. The act of overcoming both injuries to key players and inconsistencies is what sets apart winning teams from merely competent teams.
Overall, as the teams prepare, the atmosphere at 4 Pines Park promises to be electric. Fans are anticipating another exciting NRL game where strategy, skills, and team spirit will take center stage, highlighting the deep-rooted rivalry between these two clubs. The match kicks off at 6:15 pm AEDT, and with both teams eager to mark their territories, fans can expect fireworks on the field.
