Match Preview: NSW Cup Round 4 vs Roosters

Fresh from a bye last weekend, the Sea Eagles will be keen to erase the memories of a second half defensive collapse against the Newcastle Knights a fortnight ago.

Following a thrilling round one win over Canberra at home, the Sea Eagles took an 18-12 half-time lead against the Knights on the back of some great attacking play from hooker Zach Dockar-Clay and half-back Joey Walsh.

Manly increased their lead to 24-16 early in the second half before the Knights pounced on some poor errors and defence to run in five tries in 22 minutes for a 46-24 victory.

Dockar-Clay topped the tackle count with 30 while giant young prop Simione Laiafi led the way up front with 137 run metres.

Manly Coach Brett Kimmorley will want to make sure his players produce a much better defensive effort against a Roosters side that has won two of their first three games.

The Roosters opened their season with a crushing 48-14 win over the Warriors in Auckland, beat South Sydney 30-18 in round two, before falling 38-12 to Penrith at home last Sunday.

The Roosters will also now have the added advantage of playing at their home ground after the match was originally set down for 4 Pines Park on Thursday night.

Manly sit ninth on the ladder with the Roosters in third place.

The match kicks-off at 12pm.