Manly and Canberra head bush for the first time this season, both seeking to build momentum from last-gasp, round-three wins in Saturday’s NRL Mudgee match-up.

While the Raiders (2-1) rose from the dead to beat Gold Coast 24-22 last weekend, a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal earned the Sea Eagles a 13-12 triumph against Canterbury to break their duck for the season.

Raiders’ coach Ricky Stuart says the Saturday afternoon clash at Glen Willow Oval should also be viewed by his team as an opportunity to give back to regional supporters.

“I remember being a kid, standing out the back of change rooms at the Raiders’ games and getting that experience,” he said.

“Now for a country kid to shake hands or say hello to his favourite players, I think is a great thrill.

“I’ve said it ever since I coached, it’s our responsibility to get out there and promote our game and get all the kids to have a little bit more of an up-and-close experience with the players they watch on TV.”

But once the festivities are out of the way, the Raiders must produced a more switched-on first half against the Sea Eagles after falling into a 22-0 hole against the Titans last weekend, once again struggling with ball security.

Stuart said improving in that area while also getting stability in the spine positions would hold the Raiders in good stead against a fierce opponent.

“It’s tight at the moment and possession plays a big part … being as professional with the football as you can plays a massive part,” he said.

“He’s very young in his career (halfback) Brad (Schneider), it’s nice to get a little bit of continuity and some cohesion with Tommy (Starling) and Frawls (Matt Frawley) and Jack (Wighton).

“It’s very important, and at the moment we haven’t had it.”

Canberra will be without Seb Kris who has been flagged as a COVID close contact for a second time, but he will be seamlessly replaced by winger Nick Cotric who is fit after a quad injury.

Manly are unchanged from the side that took the one-point win against the Bulldogs in torrential rain last Sunday.

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