Battle of the birds or battle of the beaches. Whichever you fancy, the Manly Sea Eagles will take on the Sydney Roosters to open up NRL Round 4.

Both teams are looking to bounce back from last start losses, although Manly did have a bye between their most recent defeat and this game.

The Chooks have had no such luxury and will be looking to atone for the sins of their 40-4 mauling at the hands of Penrith last week.

Still, you’d probably rather be the Tri-colours, because should the Sea Eagles lose here, not only will they open up their 2026 campaign with three consecutive Ls, but they will all have come at home.

On the team front, Fetalaiga Pauga pays for some subpar defending against the Panthers, with Billy Smith replacing him. Meanwhile, Sea Eagles favourtie son Jake Trbojevic holds onto his jersey, despite calls for him to be dropped.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this NRL Round 4 opener, check out our Sea Eagles vs Roosters tips and predictions below.

Sea Eagles vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

NRL Round 4 sees us return to the Northern Beaches for yet another Manly Sea Eagles home game at Brookvale Oval.

Rugby League fans on the Northern Beaches are growing frustrated with roster mis-management and mediocre performances, which have seen the club stranded in a 15-year premiership drought.

Coach Seibold is under immense pressure already this season after dropping the first two matches at home against the Raiders and the Knights.

Many pundits don’t expect ‘Tony Seibs’ to finish the season in the top spot and Manly’s performance in this match will factor into whether the coach holds onto his position.

The Sea Eagles had the luxury of a timely bye in Round 3 and will have put in the work to turn their season around before it’s too late. Meanwhile, the Roosters were dealt a harsh reality check by Penrith, losing 4-40 at Allianz Stadium.

Both sides are desperate to recalibrate and chart a course to September footy.

Robbo’s teams often build into the season and with DCE still finding his feet at the Roosters, the ingredients are all there for success at the Bondi club.

Roosters should have a touch too much class in this one, the vultures will be circling at the Manly club after this match.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters.

First Try Scorer Prediction

If there’s one player on the planet who can smell weakness and exploit it, it’s Roosters fullback James Tedesco.

The reigning Dally M medallist loves running at a defence down on confidence and has scored a try in each of Sydney's last three matches against teams on a losing streak.

With the Sea Eagles down in the doldrums, look to him to strike early in this one.

Betting tip: James Tedesco.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of Manly's last five home matches against Sydney have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points.

Line Prediction

Manly has covered the line in eight of its last nine night matches after a bye.

Betting tip: Manly (+7.5) line.

Sea Eagles vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Tolutau Koula

Tolutau Koula has scored at least one try in each of his last six appearances with Manly as an underdog at Brookvale Oval.

Sam Walker

Sam Walker has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances against teams on a losing streak.

Haumole Olakau'atu

Haumole Olakau'atu has scored at least one try in each of his last three home appearances.

Mark Nawaqanitawase

Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored at least one try in each of Sydney's last three away matches against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Sea Eagles vs Roosters Teams

Manly Sea Eagles Team List

1. Tom Trbojevic (c)

2. Jason Saab

3. Tolu Koula

4. Reuben Garrick

5. Lehi Hopoate

6. Luke Brooks

7. Jamal Fogarty

8. Taniela Paseka

9. Jake Simpkin

10. Kobe Hetherington

11. Haumole Olakau'atu

12. Ben Trbojevic

13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Brandon Wakeham

15. Corey Waddell

16. Ethan Bullemor

17. Paul Bryan

18. Simione Laiafi

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Reece Robson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Siua Wong

13. Egan Butcher

14. Connor Watson

15. Blake Steep

16. Nat Butcher

17. Salesi Foketi

18. Cody Ramsay

Sea Eagles vs Roosters Match Details

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.

Location: Brookvale Oval, Sydney.