As the Canberra Raiders look to make it three wins in a row, they face a Manly Sea Eagles side who have been in great form of late.
We've taken a look at some of the reasons why this shapes up as a crucial match for the Green Machine.
Not so long ago.
It was only in round eight when the Sea Eagles travelled down to GIO Stadium to face the mighty Green Machine in what turned out to be a spiteful match to say the least.
The Silvertails incredibly had a 92% completion rate for the match as Dylan Walker's penalty goal in golden point sealed the win for his side and the Raiders will certainly be looking for retribution when they head to Lottoland on Sunday.
Papalii to return?
We love Papa's aggression and he will be a welcomed addition back to the side should he be named by coach Ricky Stuart. Both sides boast plenty of size and onset in their forwards pack and Papalii's return will further increase the Raiders chances of a win on the road.
The Sea Eagles will be looking to welcome back Origin stars of their own in Jake Trbojevic (NSW) and Nate Myles (QLD).
Soliola's in great form. With Papa's absence, there was just a tiny doubt that the Green Machinewould lack just that bit of mongrel that we all love to see. That was quickly put to bed when Sia Soliola put Luke Keary on his back with a 'bellringer' which also earnt the Denman Prospect play of the week.
We're all hoping Sia and the side can continue their excellent run of form over the past couple of weeks.
Chance to tighten our grip on the 8. With the 24-16 win over the Roosters on the weekend the Raiders jumped into the top 8. As it stands a win over the Sea Eagles by a try would see the Green Machine leapfrog Manly on the NRL ladder with the home side currently boasting a slightly better for/against.
Manly's celebration of the 1987 Grand Final. The Sea Eagles will be celebrating the 30th year anniversary of their 1987 NSWRL Grand Final win over the Raiders at Lottoland this Sunday. Tries to Cliffy Lyons and Michael O'Connor secured a famous win for the Maroon and White while Chris O'Sullivan grabbed one for the mighty Green Machine.
This Grand Final was one to forget for the Raiders and it was soon a distant memory as we went on to win three grand finals in the next seven years.
