<p>Welcome to the battle of the birds! It’s the Roosters vs Manly for a spot in the second Preliminary Final, where the mighty Melbourne Storm await.</p> <p>The Roosters will be looking to bounce back from their disastrous showing against Penrith last week, while Manly will be hoping to ride the wave of momentum they generated with their comeback win against the Bulldogs all the way to the final four.</p> <p>While injuries threaten to somewhat derail this spectacle, there are still plenty of quality players all over the park and as for the stakes, well they don’t come much higher than do-or-die footy.</p> <p>Who will hold their nerve and live to fight another day? And who needs to start planning their Mad Monday celebrations? Let’s take a closer look.</p> <p>For the latest news, analysis, players to watch, betting tips, odds and more for this clash, check out our Rooster vs Manly predictions and preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Roosters vs Sea Eagles Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After the opening 20 minutes of their game against Penrith last week it became apparent that the Roosters were not getting a week off.</p> <p>They were dragged from pillar to post by the purring Panthers in a display that will have alarm bells ringing in Bondi.</p> <p>Obviously, a lot of that result had to do with Penrith’s dominance, but the lack of resistance offered by the Roosters is concerning for everyone but Manly, who will be licking their lips.</p> <p>There is more data than usual to analyse here, thanks to the fact that these two sides have faced each other three times in 2024.</p> <p>Their head-to-head record this season reads 2-1 to the Roosters, with their most recent clash a 34-30 epic that ended in the Tri-colours favour.</p> <p>How will this one end up and who will be the players that decide the result? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key men in this clash.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Players to Watch</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Tolutau Koula</h3> <p>Manly’s hero last week will be hoping for a repeat performance here. While he sometimes goes missing, Koula possesses speed, strength and power and has the ability to shred opposition defences at any given moment.</p> <p>If he can add consistency to his list of attributes, the sky's the limit for this young outside back. Let’s see if he can put in back-to-back shifts when his side takes on the Roosters on Saturday night.</p>

<h3>Jared Waerea-Hargreaves</h3> <p>If things go south, this could be JWH’s last ever game in the NRL. Arguably the last of the great enforcers of yesteryear, it’s rather poetic that the man they call “the Big Dog” returns from a suspension just in time to kit up for what could very well be his last dance for the Tri-colours.</p> <p>Fittingly he gets to face the club he debuted for, before joining the Roosters and going on to become their all-time appearance maker.</p> <p>If this is to be his last game for the club he has become synonymous with, you can guarantee Hargreaves will have no intent of going quietly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Tom Trbojevic</h3> <p>It’s more Tom Trbojevic’s shoulder that we need to keep an eye on. He was visibly carrying it at times last week and you can bet the Roosters hitmen noticed that.</p> <p>How will Tommy Turbo deal with the target that will inevitably be placed on his back, well shoulder?</p> <p>Will he still be able to weave his usual magic and produce a match-winning display? Big players love the big occasions no matter what. Keep your eyes on Turbo here.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Joseph Manu</h3> <p>Another Roosters player who could be turning out for the Roosters for the last time is Kiwi megastar Joey Manu.</p> <p>No, at just 28 years of age and in the prime of his career, Manu is not retiring. He is taking up a lucrative offer to play Rugby in Japan.</p> <p>One of the most athletic and naturally gifted players in the NRL, Manu is a massive loss for not just the Roosters, but Rugby League in general. Enjoy his talents while you still can.</p>

<h2>Rooster vs Sea Eagles Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Roosters may have the upper hand in the H2H market, but we actually like Manly here.</p> <p>The Roosters first half showing against Penrith was beyond dismal last week and they way they were punished by the back-to-back-to-back premiers will have knocked the wind right out of them.</p> <p>It is also becoming apparent they don’t have a proper plan B for Sam Walker, Victor Radley and Brandon Smith who were ruled out for the rest of the season a fortnight ago.</p> <p>Unless Roosters head coach Trent Robinson tries something drastic like moving Joey Manu to the halves, we don’t think they’ll have enough spark to see off a spirited Manly outfit.</p> <p>On the flip side of the coin, Manly should be full of life and legs after their epic comeback against the Bulldogs to guarantee their participation in this match.</p> <p>We’re backing them to soar into this one on a tidal wave of momentum and send the Chooks packing in a thriller.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Manly Sea Eagles.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Try Scorer Prediction</h3> <p>He scored the final try (and winner) in Manly’s last game against the Dogs, so we’re backing flyer Tolutau Koula to be the one to get the party started here.</p> <p>The speed and power he displayed to score the long-range stunner which ultimately ended the Bulldogs 2024 season, fills us with confidence he can be the open to get the scoreboard ticking over first here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Tolutau Koula.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Over/Under Prediction</h3> <p>With a number of wounded weapons on both sides of the halfway line here, points may be at a premium, so the under looks the more appealing of the two options.</p> <p>There is reason to back the overs however, if you feel so inclined, as two of their three meetings this season have eclipsed the 47.5 point watermark set here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Under total match points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Roosters vs Sea Eagles Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, September 21, 2024.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>7:50pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Allianz Stadium, Sydney.&nbsp;</p>