The Roosters have headed the NRL betting markets for the majority of the season and the Minor Premiers will head into the 2013 decider the solid favourites at $1.65 as they attempt to make this premiership number 13 for the tri-colours but, only their second for the past thirty-eight years.

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The price is justified given that they have won eleven of their past thirteen matches, defeated Manly on each of the three occasions the two sides have met this season and, produced two outstanding finals’ performances which have highlighted both their defensive and attacking capabilities.

The first of those finals games was a enthralling and physical 4 – 0 win over Manly. As the score suggests, there was nothing between the two teams.

It was the sixth time this season that Sydney has been able to keep a side to nil – an astonishing achievement.

Last week, to secure their place in the final, Sydney broke their opponents back by running in six tries in a 30 minute period that stretched over the two halves.

Two late tries to Newcastle, when the Roosters were dreaming off this weekend, blotted an otherwise comprehensive performance.

Sydney’s first try against the Knights, didn’t come until the 31st minute of the game however and against Manly, who have scored first in eight of their last ten games, the Roosters will have no time to warm up to the challenge.

Manly, who are a $2.30 quote, pay no attention to the market’s assessment of their chances as evident last week when, as $3.00 outsiders against South, they came from 14 – nil down in the first twenty minutes of the game, to register a 30 – 20 point victory.

It was the Sea Eagles third tough finals game in as many weeks but they are obviously thriving on the pressure.

The experience gained by being regular finals participants, this is their sixth consecutive finals campaign in they claimed the premiership in ’08 and ’11, shone through against the Rabbitohs and will serve them well here on the biggest stage.

Led brilliantly by the halves pairing of Daley Cherry-Evans (whose kicking game was exceptional again) and Kieran Foran, the Sea Eagles were dominate in the end and a similar performance by that duo in particular, will create plenty of headaches for the Roosters.

In each of the three games between the two clubs this year, there haven’t been more than 30 match points scored. In fact, two of the games didn’t surpass 20 and there is no reason to believe this game will not be yet another titanic arm-wrestle.

Reports early in the week have stated that Roosters half-back Mitchell Pearce has been battling a bout of the flu but will be right to take his place Sunday. He may be right, be if this is indeed the case, it’s not the ideal preparation for the Roosters playmaking heading into the biggest game of the season.

Aside from that, the Roosters have named an unchanged side from that of last week.

Manly will miss Richie Fa’aoso after he fracturing his neck last week but have left naming his replacement open by including three players on an extended bench.

The starting line up however will be the same as that who were victorious of South and with Brett Stewart having had his first game in three weeks in that win, he be fitter again and the major threat that the Roosters have to nullify.

Whilst the Roosters haven’t been to the GF as regularly as Manly in recent times, they have plenty of big game experience with the halves having represented NSW in Origin this year.

Their consistency throughout the year should be rewarded and the best option on them is the 1 – 12 @ $2.85 however, Manly are a hardened and proven side in these situations.

The $3.25 about them 1 – 12 is a better option again as is the total match score to be under 32.5 ($1.90).

Odds comparison by NRL Odds:

Sydney Roosters	1.67	1.65	1.64	1.65	1.67	1.68
Manly Sea Eagles	2.25	2.30	2.30	2.30	2.25	2.20

Teams:

Sydney Roosters:

1. Anthony Minichiello (c)
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend
10. Sam Moa
11. Aidan Guerra
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Frank-Paul Nuuausala

Interchange
14. Daniel Mortimer
15. Mitchell Aubusson
16. Isaac Liu
17. Dylan Napa

Coach: Trent Robinson

Manly Sea Eagles:

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Jamie Lyon (c)
4. Steve Matai
5. David Williams
6. Kieran Foran
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Brenton Lawrence
9. Matt Ballin
10. Brent Kite
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Justin Horo
13. Glenn Stewart

Interchange
14. David Gower
15. Jamie Buhrer
16. Tom Symonds
17. George Rose
18. James Hasson
19. Peta Hiku

Coach: Geoff Toovey