Point-spread betting for NRL Friday, Raiders vs. Sea Eagles

Canberra Raiders vs. Manly Sea Eagles. Friday, June 3 from 7:50pm at GIO Stadium

Ladder position:
Raiders: 7th
Sea Eagles: 12th

Season record:
Raiders: 6-5
Sea Eagles: 4-7

Head-to-head odds:
Raiders: $1.57 at Sportsbet
Sea Eagles: $2.42 at Sportsbet

Points spread market:
Raiders -4.0 at $1.90
Sea Eagles +4.0 at $1.90

THE Canberra Raiders got a huge shot in the arm last week when they defeated the Bulldogs with a late burst of tries.

The ‘Green Machine’ was getting overhauled by the bigger Bulldogs’ pack, but an intercept try turned momentum and they eventually scored three tries in an 11-minute period. The win got them back inside the top eight and playing through the State of Origin period will help them significantly.

The Raiders come up against a Sea Eagles team which has been bolstered by Origin reject, Daly Cherry-Evans. Evans was called into the Queensland squad with the injury cloud surrounding Cooper Cronk, only to be sent back to Manly after they decided to stick with Michael Morgan.

Dylan Walker will take the field for the Blues on Wednesday night, but will play for Manly this Friday night also. The struggling side will also have Queensland prop Nate Myles and Steve Matai also makes his return.

Canberra’s 18-man side looks a little different than in recent weeks. Edrick Lee is out after injuring his hamstring in the win last Sunday and Jeff Lima will also sit out. Josh Papalii comes back into the side which will give the undersized forward pack some bolster.

One player which stands out in this clash is former Newcastle back Joseph Leilua who was a standout in Canberra’s win against the Bulldogs. He dominated play with big runs in the second half and we think he’s a great chance of cashing for punters this Friday night.

First try-scorer market and tips

Canberra Raiders first try-scorer:

Jordan Rapana – $8.00
Jarrod Croker – $10
Brenko Lee – $11
Blake Austin – $14
Joseph Leilua – $15
Jack Wighton – $18
Josh Papalii – $20 at Sportsbet.com.au
Aidan Sezer – $26
Iosia Soliola – $26
Joseph Tapine – $26
Josh Hodgson – $26
Paul Vaughan – $26
Elliot Whitehead – $26
Kurt Baptiste – $34
Shannon Boyd – $34
Luke Bateman – $46
Clay Priest – $51

Jordan Rapana is the worthy favourite in this market and he scored in Sunday’s win. The Raiders winger is a key aspect to the attack and the $8 looks a good bet along with Joseph Leilua at $15.

The rampaging centre has the size advantage on most of his opponents and if he gets the ball close to the line, it’s all but over. The $15 is a good bet, but the $2.80 at Sportsbet for Leileu to score at anytime during the game is a safer option.

Manly Sea Eagles first try-scorer market:

Tom Trbojevic – $11
Brett Stewart – $12
Brayden Williame – $12
Steve Matai – $14
Dylan Walker – $15
Jamie Lyon – $23
Daly Cherry-Evans – $26
Matt Parcell – $26
Apisai Koroisau – $34
Jamie Buhrer – $34
Lewis Brown – $34
Jake Trbojevic – $46
Siosaia Vave – $61
Darcy Lussick – $61
Josh Starling – $61
Nate Myles – $61
Brenton Lawrence – $61

Brett Stewart has fallen away with tryscoring punters, but he must be a chance at $12. That screams value for a player which used to score frequently and has a good record at scoring first.

On paper the Sea Eagles have a much better back line than its forward pack, and that’s where they come come under threat. Players such as Lewis Brown and Jake Trbojevic will have to stand up so we wouldn’t be surprised to see either player score at $6 and $8 respectively.

Raiders vs. Sea Eagles game prediction and tips

This is a tough match-up and we don’t trust either team. The Raiders seem to play better away from GIO Stadium, but the win last Sunday showed they still have enough talent to make the playoffs.

The Sea Eagles team looks capable on paper, but they are seemingly missing the key piece to the puzzle. We’re not sure who that is, but Manly are treading water and the Raiders should be able to capitalise with Joseph Leilua and Josh Papalii running through the weak Manly forward pack.

Our tip: Raiders head-to-head ($1.57) at Sportsbet.com.au