Manly Sea Eagles v New Zealand Warriors, 7.35pm Saturday, 4 Pines Park

Jake Trbojevic will skipper Manly in what is sure to be a big game after being left out of the NSW Origin side. Trbojevic is not one to try and prove a point or kick stones about missing out on rep honours, but he will need little motivation to inspire the Sea Eagles without two of their best players, including his little brother Tom and Daly Cherry-Evans. The returning Martin Taupau will add some grunt, with Jason Saab also back, while Josh Schuster gets a crack at his preferred No. 6 position. This move alone will be worth watching the clash despite the uninspiring opposition. Manly by 14

Christian Nicolussi

Canberra Raiders v Sydney Roosters, 4.05pm Sunday, GIO Stadium

The State of Origin drain hits hard in the nation’s capital with the Raiders missing Jack Wighton and Josh Papali’i to go with the Roosters’ interstate contingent of James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou and Lindsay Collins.

Loading

Matt Frawley will slip into Wighton’s No.6 jumper, while the big change for the Roosters will be Joseph Manu, he who can play anywhere, going back to No.1 with Billy Smith and Kevin Naiqama earning call-ups in the outside backs. Former schoolboy sensation Trey Mooney will make his debut for Canberra off the bench. I wouldn’t say love is in the air, but the feeling between the two coaches has thawed after Ricky Stuart was invited to the Roosters’ 20th anniversary celebrations for their 2002 premiership earlier this year. The Roosters have won six of the last eight games between the two, including the 2019 grand final. Raiders by 2.

Adam Pengilly

Stream the NRL Premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.