NRL Round 4 Preview - Sea Eagles v Raiders @ Lottoland

Manly Sea Eagles v Canberra Raiders @ Lottoland
 
Preview - Manly will be hoping to hit back from their dismal performance against Souths, as they head back to Lottoland to take on the winless Raiders. The Sea Eagles came crashing back to earth with a bang last week, losing 34-6 to Souths just six days after beating Parramatta 54-0. The Raiders found another way to lose, and break their fans hearts, for the third straight week, somehow conspiring to go down 20-19 to the Warriors, despite leading 19-12 with just three minutes to spare. The Raiders have a differential of just -5 having lost games by 2 points, 2 points and 1 point after three rounds. 
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Trent Barrett makes just the one change with Matthew Wright replacing Jorge Taufua on the wing.  Darcy Lussick remains in Reserve Grade, despite Manly being dominated through the middle of the ruck against Souths last week. 
 
Canberra Raiders’ Scouting Report - Blake Austin's career is at the crossroads after being dumped to Reserve Grade following some poor form this season, including a number of defensive lapses. Sam Williams and Aidan Sezer will again start in the halves, with Warriors’ recruit Ata Hingano to play off the bench. Joe Tapine returns on the bench, but expect him to start in the back-row on game day, with Luke Bateman dropping to the bench.
 
Verdict - Manly by 4-12 in a high scoring game

I like Manly to bounce back at home, as I just think Canberra are too fragile an opposition to continue to back. It would have taken a lot of mental energy out of the Raiders to put in three decent performances and walk away with no competition points, and I think they might be due for a flat performance here. Put simply, Manly were embarrassing last week and, after their last hit back at Lottoland, I can see them bouncing back this week. I think this has the potential to be quite a high scoring game, with both sides preferring to attack rather than to defend well for 80 minutes. I just favour Manly, given they are at home, and given Canberra would be doubting themselves more mentally at the moment should this game be close.