Roosters vs Manly: 2022 NRL Round 2 Betting preview & predicted score

As well as providing his best value bets every week, our NRL guru Steve Green also previews every NRL game for members. Each week on the blog we’ll feature some of his match previews from the eight games. Check out his Roosters vs Manly preview below

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Roosters vs Manly: NRL Round 2

While I originally though Victor Radley would be unlikely with the Roosters known for taking cautious approach to HIAs, Coach Robinson was critical of the HIA process and did claim Radley was showing no signs of concussion. So perhaps he will play, which will be a huge boost for the Roosters, who were shell shocked by the impressive Knights outfit last weekend. Connor Watson likely to stay at 9, with Sam Verrills out with a broken thumb despite returning from suspension.

The Roosters had issues across the park, with their halves not really clicking and their old front rowers looking off the pace. Even Tedesco was far below his best and looked very frustrated by the end of the day. Gagai was destructive out wide and exposed the Roosters edge defence, as did the likes of Barnett and Frizell, who dominated the battle in the middle.

However I do think the Knights were not given enough credit for their performance and the Roosters are still in very good shape for 2022. Keary will be better for his run, as will Watson after playing his first game for his new club. JWH and Taikeiaho will be keen to show they still have what it takes, while I think Naufahu Whyte is a chance of getting a late call up for the Roosters, after a barnstorming display in reserve grade last weekend.

Who does Luke Lewis think will come out on top this weekend between Teddy and Turbo when the Roosters take on Manly Thursday night 🤔 Find out in the first episode of Behind Blue Eyes for 2022 👀#BackTheBlues pic.twitter.com/G5LWQ9NFDl

— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) March 16, 2022

For Manly, their fans are taking solace in the fact that after losing their opening few games in 2021, Manly bounced back and blitzed teams in the middle of the season. Tommy T will be out for a big one, after copping unfair criticism, while I thought Cherry-Evan was great playing behind a beaten forward pack.

Andrew Davey should be able to force his way into the side, with the Manly pack struggling against the Panthers last weekend. While Dylan Walker’s return to the bench will provide them with another option in the middle, with the utility’s ball playing an underrated aspect of his game.

I think this will be a thriller and with the bookies setting the Roosters slight favourites, no enough value for me to have a bet here.

Roosters vs Manly: Predicted score

Roosters 19
Manly 18