On March 23, 2025, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will host the Canberra Raiders in what promises to be a thrilling NRL Round 3 showdown at 4 Pines Park in Sydney. This match is vital for both teams, with the Sea Eagles looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Warriors, while the Raiders aim to maintain their unbeaten record.
The Sea Eagles enter this clash without their star fullback, Tom Trbojevic, who will be rested due to hamstring tightness, a decision made by the team on Thursday. In his absence, Lehi Hopoate is set to take the lead at fullback, and Clayton Faulalo will step in on the wing. Meanwhile, Daly Cherry-Evans has recovered from back spasms and is ready to lead his team from halfback.
Last week, the Sea Eagles fell to the Warriors in a significant 36-16 defeat, a reality that weighs heavily as they prepare for the Raiders, who have won both their prior matches of the season, scoring 62 points across those games.
The Raiders, under coach Ricky Stuart, arrive in fine form, boasting key player Xavier Savage back from suspension, ready to make an impact. This match is especially crucial for Canberra, as it represents an opportunity to improve to a perfect 3-0 record. They have a strong history against Manly too, having won their last two matchups at 4 Pines Park and being one of the only teams to defeat the Sea Eagles at home last year.
As the teams warm up before kickoff at 6:15 p.m. AEDT, all eyes will be on how the Sea Eagles adapt without Trbojevic. The game will be live on Fox Sports, with streaming options on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, enabling fans across the country to witness what’s shaping up to be a key encounter in the NRL 2025 season.
Half-time will see a host of reactions as the Sea Eagles will aim to bounce back and showcase their strength against a confident Raiders squad. However, it's their tactical adjustments from the recent loss to the Warriors that will be critical in this matchup. With significant stats leaning towards the Sea Eagles—like winning seven of their last ten encounters against the Raiders—confidence remains among their fans.
In terms of team changes, the Raiders have also made strategic adjustments, with Morgan Smithies replaced in the lineup by Trey Mooney. This airs out a wave of excitement surrounding the Raiders and adds further intrigue to this time-honored rivalry. Game analyses will likely commence early, especially around how well Canberra’s young star, Savage, reintegrates following his sidelined period, mirroring Hopoate’s own road to rediscovery.
Following the initial quarter hour, Manly has been known to dominate possession, making use of home advantage at 4 Pines Park. As the game progresses, the momentum shifts will be pivotal; the Sea Eagles must capitalize on their possession to convert that into points quickly—and with Garrick looking to maximize his form after the last week’s match-up, they might just crack the raiders defense early on.
The match is not only crucial for standings but also pitting generational talents against each other; the stakes are high as both squads seek to determine their path through the remainder of both the season and the ongoing legacy within the NRL. Fans should prepare for an encounter that is both electrifying and tactical, as the Sea Eagles and Raiders look to outdo one another.
