Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles Tips, Odds, Betting and Predictions – NRL Finals 2024

Allianz Stadium will play host to Saturday's NRL game between Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Sydney Roosters heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Roosters vs. Manly Sea Eagles game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday September 21, 2024 at 7:50 pm

Where: Allianz Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles Odds

Sydney Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles Preview

Sydney Roosters were exposed by the relentless three-time premiers last weekend, battling without their number one halfback and only finding some resolve and momentum when it was too late.

Can they turn things around against a Manly Sea Eagles side coming off their best win in over a decade?

The Roosters were swamped in the first half at Penrith, heading to the sheds 24-0 down.

To their credit, they scored two tries to one after the break – but winning the second half holds far less cachet after getting obliterated in the first.

Sandon Smith had a difficult night in the pressure-cooker standing in for the injured Sam Walker.

He’s been named again but there is speculation Joey Manu – who has been below par of late in the centres – could be moved to five-eighth.

That would require Luke Keary to step up considerably from the leadership and direction he showed against the Panthers.

Veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves returns in what could be his last NRL match, while fellow firebrand Victor Radley (fractured scapula) is in the extended squad.

Both are noted risk-versus-reward performers at the best of times, but the Roosters would gladly welcome their experience and intensity.

The Sea Eagles displayed outstanding grit and character to recover from 16-6 and 22-12 down to beat the Bulldogs 24-22 in an elimination classic last Sunday.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks were superb, while a hampered Tom Trbojevic came up trumps when it mattered after seeming off the pace for much of the match.

Manly’s speed and strike out wide – best exemplified by Tolu Koula’s brilliant match-winner – was a key factor in the win, while Haumole Olakau’atu and Matt Lodge headlined the engine-room standouts.

The team is unchanged with winger Jason Saab remaining in the casualty ward.

Manly sprung a 21-14 upset of the Roosters at 4 Pines Park in Round 2 to set up a much-improved campaign.

The Tricolours took out a bizarre Round 21 encounter 34-30 at Allianz Stadium, building a 28-6 lead but almost throwing it away in an intercept-plagued second-half performance.

The Roosters have won their last five matches against the Sea Eagles in the Moore Park precinct.

Manly won the clubs’ 2021 Semi-Final in Mackay 42-6, their first post-season encounters since the Roosters took gripping qualifying and grand final wins in 2013.

The Sea Eagles lost their last three finals matches at the pre-refurbished Allianz Stadium, while the Roosters are 7-4 at the new version in 2024 – scoring 34-plus in all seven wins and 16 or less points in each of their four defeats.

The archrivals match up well right across the park, though the Roosters would seem to have a slight advantage in the pack on paper and Trbojevic’s fitness has to be a concern in his individual showdown with in-form Roosters talisman James Tedesco.

But the presence of DCE up against a currently rudderless Roosters side could prove decisive on Saturday night.

A barnburner awaits – and it’s one the Sea Eagles are more than capable of winning as a $2.35 underdog.