Manly v Sydney Roosters betting tips & winner prediction

Welcome to our preview and free betting tips for a crucial round-22 NRL clash between Manly and the Roosters, two formerly highly rated teams scrapping for a place at the bottom of the finals teams.

Both teams are coming off painful defeats; the Roosters were unfortunate in a narrow loss to Melbourne Storm, but the Sea Eagles were deplorable in the second half against the powerful Bulldogs.

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The Roosters have had the better of this match-up in recent times, winning five of their past seven clashes against the Sea Eagles, including a 40-16 thumping in a final last season.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season, and the mindset with finals aspirations on the line here will be crucial.

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Teams news for Sea Eagles v Roosters clash

Manly suffered a huge blow last weekend when star back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. They have named Corey Waddell in his place, while Jake Simpkin returns from concussion protocols on the bench.

Roosters five-eighth Hugo Savala returns from a wrist injury to partner Sam Walker in the halves, while they also regain centre Bill Smith from concussion. On the downside, playmaker Sandon Smith has entered the concussion protocols.

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Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters

Start:	7.35pm AEST, Saturday, August 2
Venue:	4 Pines Park, Sydney
Head-to-head odds:	Manly Warringah ($1.77) v Sydney Roosters ($2.05)
Line betting:	Manly Warringah -2.5 ($1.90) v Sydney Roosters +2.5 ($1.90)
Series odds:	Manly Warringah $51; Sydney Roosters $151

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Sea Eagles v Roosters

Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for Saturday night’s game.

Manly Sea Eagles -2.5 / match total under 47.5

We just feel the home team has a touch more class than the Roosters. Both teams have been poor on defence recently but surely must tighten up with a final spots on the line. This selection is at around $3.80 with online betting sites.

Tom Trbojevic to score a try

Tommy Turbo missed out last weekend but the big players step up in the big games and he will be heavily involved in this contest. This option is around $2.25 with most Aussie bookmakers.

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Sea Eagles v Roosters prediction 

There is little between these teams in wins/losses this season, but the Sea Eagles have won six from nine on their home turf and have an incredibly experienced halves duo. Luke Brooks is playing his 250th NRL game this weekend, while his halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans has clocked up 346! In an interesting aside, Cherry-Evans, 36, will be a Rooster next season. Our final Sea Eagles-Sydney Roosters prediction? Manly by 4 points.