An important date for two NRL teams on Friday night who will be desperate for victory, for vastly different reasons. The Sea Eagles head to Canberra to take on the Raiders, where they will be looking to bounce back from two horrible performances with a win that will see them stay within striking distance of the finals, whilst the Raiders need to win to stay on top of the table. Huge clash on Friday night.
Ben Bridge brings you his preview and best bets for this clash below and if you’re keen to play along, simply join Neds via this link!
Raiders vs Sea Eagles Prediction & Tips: 2025 NRL Round 23
Raiders Losing Grip of Minor Premiership?
The Raiders are coming off a poor showing last week, going down 18-12 to the Dragons in Wollongong. It was the Raiders’ first loss since the 10th of May in round 10, when they went down 32-20 to the Bulldogs. This week is crucial to Ricky Stuart and his men, as the way they play this weekend could be a great indication of whether last week was the loss they needed to have, or the loss that brought down a terrific season. Time will tell.
In terrible conditions last week, it was the Raiders’ discipline that let them down, completing at a paltry 65%, whilst making 14 errors, conceding 7 penalties and 6 set restarts. Matt Timoko was the bright spot for the Raiders, as he ran for 166 metres on 15 runs, scoring two tries, breaking the line twice, and busting five tackles. Joe Tapine also looked back to his best, making 49 tackles, 17 runs for 135 metres, whilst popping four offloads. More of the same will be needed from him, and the entire forward pack, if they are to win this week.
Can Manly Bounce Back with Season on the Line?
The Sea Eagles come into this matchup with their season on the edge, after two poor losses in a row after their tremendous round 20 victory over the Storm. Since then, they have losses to the Bulldogs (42-4), and Roosters (20-4), in what can only be described as horrible performances from a team that looked destined to claim a spot in the top 8 just three weeks ago. Now, they occupy 10th place on the ladder, and with all the teams above them having superior points differentials, the Sea Eagles are looking at a long, difficult road if they are to make the finals.
Last week against the Roosters at home, Manly appeared lost at sea, as they completed at just 68%, making 15 errors, missing 39 tackles, and conceding eight penalties. Their attack has been abysmal since Tom Trbojevic has moved to the centres, failing to score 20 points since their round 18 demolition of the Rabbitohs. Anthony Seibold has clearly seen enough, as Trbojevic has been shifted back to fullback this week, It will be interesting to see if this unlocks Manly’s stagnant attack.
Raiders vs Sea Eagles Recent History
The Sea Eagles have had the better of this matchup recently, winning 7 of the past 10 matchups between the teams. They’ve also managed to win three of the past four, and the last two played at GIO Stadium.
The sides last met back in round 3 at Brookvale, where the Sea Eagles closed 2.5-point favourites, with a total of 49.5 on a Sunday afternoon. It was dominant display from the home side, who despite being held to a nil-all scoreline after 22 minutes, managed to pile on the points over the next half an hour, scoring seven unanswered tries in that period to lead 40-0. The Raiders managed two late consolation tries to close the gap slightly, but they were never in the game, as the Sea Eagles easily won, 40-12.
It was possibly the worst performance from the Raiders all season, as they completed at just 68%, running for a little over 1100 metres, whilst missing 38 tackles, making 12 errors, and conceding 10 penalties. For the Sea Eagles, it was Reuben Garrick who was the star, scoring four tries, breaking the line three times, busting 7 tackles, and kicking six goals, for a grand total of 28 points. The Sea Eagles will be desperate for another big game from their star winger this week.
Canberra to Prove too Classy for Manly
The Raiders were slated as 8.5-point favourites on the look ahead, before re-opening as just 6.5-point favourites after their poor loss last weekend. The number has stayed at 6.5, in what is a not insignificant move from the look ahead. My fair spread sits at 8.5, so I do see some decent value in the home side here. They have been solid against the spread when favoured, covering on seven of 12 occasions when lined as favourites. The Sea Eagles have not shown the ability to win the close games, and in my opinion if this game is close at any point, the Raiders will be able to finish strongly.
Looking at the total, and it opened 46.5 and hasn’t moved off the number at the time of writing. I make a fair 45.5, so I really don’t see any great value in the total for this clash. The Raiders have been a heavy overs team, hitting overs in 13 of 20 games, whilst the Sea Eagles have been the opposite, hitting unders in 13 of 19 games. No play here on the over.
I have serious concerns for the Sea Eagles here. A loss could confirm their poor form, and possibly end their season, even if not mathematically. The Raiders also have plenty to play for, and their form appears far superior to the Sea Eagles, despite the mediocre performance last week. I’ll back the home side to get a win by 7+ here.
Raiders (-6.5)
$1.90 (2 Units)
Raiders vs Sea Eagles Player Prop Bet: Garrick to Glide Over for One
Our Best Prop Bet: Garrick 1+ Try
The Raiders middle third defence is as good as any team in the league, so opposing teams know they need to go around the Raiders. This has meant that wingers are a smart choice for anytime try, and with Garrick attacking the weaker right edge, I’ll back him in here.
Reuben Garrick (1+ try)
$2.20 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi: Raiders vs Sea Eagles
Leg 1: Raiders (-5.5) – See best bet.
Leg 2: R Garrick (1+ try) – See above best prop bet.
Leg 3: J Stuart (1+ try) – Had a bit of a shocker last week in trying conditions, expect the young winger to bounce back this week with a try.
SGM Odds: $7.00 at Dabble
Raiders vs Sea Eagles Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday, 8th August
Location: GIO Stadium - Canberra
Time: 8:00pm AEST
Weather: Fine, 5 degrees
Odds: Raiders ($1.46) vs Sea Eagles ($2.75)
Line: Raiders (-6.5)
Points: 46.5
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Where to Watch Raiders vs Sea Eagles
Watch the Raiders vs Sea Eagles match on Channel 9, as well as live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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