NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Sea Eagles

The reigning Minor Premiers kickstart their season with two away fixtures in Sydney and New Zealand before heading back home for two home games in the first month.

The Raiders unearth their new halves pairing of Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders with last year's standout performers Kaeo Weekes and Tom Starling rounding out the spine.

Meanwhile, Manly new recruit Jamal Fogarty won't have to wait long to play his former club as they too present a new combination of Fogarty and Brooks with star fullback, Tom Trbojevic captaining the side from fullback.

Talking points:

• Jayden Brailey will become Raider #409 as he has been named off the bench to make his club debut this weekend.
• Raiders utility Simi Sasagi will line-up in the centres with Matt Timoko named on the extended bench as he returns from an ankle injury.
• Local junior Noah Martin will start in the backrow with Matty Nicholson also named on the extended bench as he returns from a shoulder injury.
• Morgan Smithies will play his 50th Raiders match this weekend.
• Manly recruits Jamal Fogarty and Kobe Hetherington will make their club debuts for the Sea Eagles on Saturday night.
• Manly forwards Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau’atu are named to make their return from long-term injuries suffered last season.

Last time they met:

The Canberra Raiders defeated the Manly Sea Eagles 28-12 at GIO Stadium, Canberra in round 25 of the 2025 season.

It's a great challenge. Obviously, it's such a fortress for Manly. It's hard to play there with their crowd and hostility over the fence. So, it's something we're walking towards and excited for the challenge.

Zac Hosking #393

Key Matchup: Kaeo Weekes v Tom Trbojevic

Former teammates feature in round one's key matchup as superstar fullbacks Weekes and Trbojevic face-off to kickstart the NRL season.

Kaeo Weekes made the move to the Green Machine in 2024 as a utility back, after playing 12 games for the Sea Eagles. He soon locked down the number one jumper for the Raiders and had gone strength to strength before claiming the club's Coaches Award.

Weekes had a breakout season in 2025, scoring 11 tries and assisting seven, his electric footwork and blinding pace a regular sight for Raiders fans as he would also average 157 running metres per game.

This weekend, he lines up against one of the games' best fullbacks in Tom Trbojevic.

Trbojevic will wear the armband on Saturday night, captaining the Sea Eagles for the first time as he looks to put his best foot forward to start the season.

One of the most dangerous players on the field, Trbojevic can break a game open with his blistering speed and incredible awareness.

All eyes will be on the number one's this Saturday night as both players look to kick off the new NRL season with a win.