Round 4 Match Preview: Sea Eagles vs Raiders

Author: Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Fri 1 Apr 2022, 09:38 AM

The beautiful NSW Mid-Western Regional town of Mudgee will once again host the mighty Manly Warringah Sea Eagles this weekend.

We take a look at Saturday’s match against the Canberra Raiders at Glen Willow Stadium through our maroon and white glasses.

Déjà vu?

The Sea Eagles will be determined to grab their second win of the season after breaking through in a one-point thriller against the Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park last Sunday.

Could it be a case of déjà vu for the Sea Eagles? Manly headed to Mudgee almost 12 months ago on the back of a 13-12 victory over the Warriors on the boot of the ever-reliable Daly Cherry-Evans.

This time around, the Sea Eagles have arrived in Mudgee once again on the back of a 13-12 win last week thanks to another Cherry-Evans field goal – the 24th in his career.

The opponent might be different this time around but stranger things have happened.

The Raiders go into the game on a high too after scoring 24 unanswered points to beat the Titans last week at home.

Will it be 'Turbo' time again

The Sea Eagles scorched the slick turf of Glen Willow Stadium in 2021 with a crushing 36-0 win over the Gold Coast Titans.

Match Highlights: Sea Eagles v Titans

The match marked the return from injury of brilliant Manly full-back Tom Trbojevic, who turned in an electrifying performance that began his magical run to capture the Dally M Medal last year.

‘Turbo’ warmed the engine up a little last week in crossing for his first try of the season after a slow start. Look out for something special perhaps on Saturday.

Great rivalry

It's one of the great rivalries of modern time - the Sea Eagles versus the Raiders.

There is always a little bit of extra feeling when these two clubs clash and dates back to Manly's 1987 Grand Final victory over the Raiders.

Both teams are well coached by the respected and experienced Des Hasler and Ricky Stuart and if last year's clash is any indication when Manly won 19-18 in Brisbane in round 23, expect another great game this Saturday.

Full Match Replay: Sea Eagles v Raiders - Grand Final, 1987

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The Sea Eagles have also won four of the past five matches against the Raiders with the margins being between one, four and eight points.

Slick turf

Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex is a real credit to Mid-Western Regional Council, who own and and manage this 10,000 capacity stadium.

The playing surface is first class and the atmosphere last year for the clash against the Titans was something special.

With the weather predicted to be fine on Saturday, it's going to be another great occasion.

Round 4 - Round 4 - Saturday 2 Apr

Full Time

Sea Eagles

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Tom Trbojevic

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Jason Saab

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Morgan Harper

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
Centre for Sea Eagles is number 20 Tolutau Koula

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Semi Valemei
Winger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Reuben Garrick

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana
Five-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Kieran Foran

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
Halfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Brad Schneider

Forwards

Prop for Sea Eagles is number 10 Martin Taupau

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
Hooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Lachlan Croker

Hooker for Raiders is number 14 Matt Frawley
Prop for Sea Eagles is number 19 Josh Aloiai

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Andrew Davey

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Corey Harawira-Naera
Lock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Jake Trbojevic

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Elliott Whitehead

Interchange

Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 8 Sean Keppie

Interchange for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Dylan Walker

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Karl Lawton

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Adam Elliott
Interchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Taniela Paseka

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Corey Horsburgh

Reserves

Replacement for Sea Eagles is number 23 Christian Tuipulotu

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Xavier Savage

Match Officials

Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 3/4/2024 11:32:50 PM

Mudgee Fever

This picturesque country town is buzzing with Sea Eagles mania once again.

As soon as you drive into town, you can’t help but feel the love for rugby league and the Sea Eagles.

Junior Rugby League Clinic in Mudgee

Street lights and poles are again proudly flying the ‘Manly2Mudgee’ flags with several hotels also decorated out in the maroon and white colours.

And just like last year, thousands of passionate Sea Eagles members are making the trip to Mudgee from across the country to enjoy the great hospitality.