After beating the Titans by a golden point field goal, the Raiders have lost their last two games by a combined 64 points, including a 40-0 drubbing at the hands of Cronulla on Sunday.
They have lost running back Jamal Fogarty, in the form of his life, to a torn biceps for an extended period and coach Ricky Stuart is hoping some big personnel changes can get them back on track.
Elliott Whitehead returns this week to take the captain’s armband, with Albert Hopoate and Nick Cotric replacing youngsters Chevy Stewart and James Schiller at fullback and on the wing.
But up front is where Canberra has traditionally been and where it once again has to get its stride, with the front row tandem of Josh Papali’i and Joe Tapine very low in form and impact in recent weeks.
If the Raiders are to have any chance against Manly, they must lead the way through the middle.
Stuart is wowing Tapine and Papali’i tonight, with Emre Guler starting as a prop and Big Papa moving to the bench.
The Sea Eagles run out Haumole Olakau’atu After his suspension for the same entry, DCE avoided a ban. They are 1-17.