It's an ominous message for the Manly defence given Sezer looks most dangerous when he takes on the line, and he is desperate to improve his running game on Friday night at Canberra Stadium.

Both have a burning desire to play representative football and Sezer is keen to start take a leaf out of halves partner Blake Austin's book and terrorise defences with ball in hand.

Canberra already have one of the most potent backlines in the NRL and Sezer's running game would add another string to Green Machine's bow.

Sezer has run the ball 38 times this season, eight behind Cherry-Evans. For what it's worth, the game's premier half Johnathan Thurston has made 77 runs in less time on the field.

"It's probably something I've got to do a bit more of and I'm making a conscious effort to do that so hopefully I can have plenty more opportunities to do so," Sezer said.

"I'm a bit more comfortable with my role within the team now and the boys are always encouraging me to run.

"If they're saying it they can see opportunities there so I'm happy to take them. I do enjoy running the footy and hopefully I can do a bit more of it."

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has named an almost unchanged 21-man squad for the Sea Eagles clash, with Dave Taylor returning to the extended bench in place of the injured Clay Priest.

Priest is out with a minor shoulder injury but is expected to return next week, or at worst following the representative weekend.

The Green Machine is gaining momentum and the halfback battle looms as one of the key match-ups as the Raiders look to force their way into the top four.

Manly have been brilliant at their best and dismal at their worst to start the season and Cherry-Evans will have a big say in how they perform to kick off the NRL's Anzac Weekend.

The former Queensland utility has the edge on Sezer in most key statistical categories, and he boasts seven try assists to the combined total of three made by Canberra's halves.

But Sezer played down the personal match-up and is keen to let his football do the talking.

The Raiders halfback doesn't "take any team for granted" and prefers not to think of the Manly clash as a danger game despite the Sea Eagles' unpredictable nature.

"There's no battle there [between the halves], it's Canberra Raiders against Manly. That's all I'm worried about and hopefully we can get a win over the top of Manly," Sezer said.

"Every game is tough in this competition and I guess if you're looking at games like danger games, you're underestimating the team initially.

Sezer is eyeing a return to the City Origin squad and impressing against a former Test player will only help his cause for selection.

The City-Country fixture is preparing for a one-stop farewell tour in Mudgee on May 7 and Sezer hopes his form allows him to pick up his own little slice of history.

"I experienced the game last year and I think it's great, it's pretty disappointing that it's the last fixture of it," Sezer said.

"A lot of the boys, whether you're from the city or the country, you're all New South Welshmen and you'll be putting your hand up.It's a rep game and it's quality players that'll be amongst it.

"As a player, it's pretty disappointing that they're discarding the fixture but for the last one it would be great to be a part of."

NRL ROUND EIGHT

Friday: Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles at Canberra Stadium, 6pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Raiders squad: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (C), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson , 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Adam Clydsdale, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Dunamis Lui, 17. Sia Soliola. Reserves: 18. Dave Taylor, 19. Jordan Turner, 20. Makahesi Makatoa, 21. Lachlan Croker

Sea Eagles squad: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Brian Kelly, 5. Akuila Uate, 6. Blake Green, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C), 8. Brenton Lawrence, 9. Apisai Korisau, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Frank Winterstein, 12 Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown, 15. Jackson Hastings, 16. Darcy Lussick, 17. Addin Fonua-Blake. Reserves: 18. Nate Myles, 19. Cameron Cullen, 20. Matthew Wright, 21. Shaun Lane

*The Canberra Raiders are urging the bosses to let staff off early this Friday afternoon so they can catch the kick-off with the #FridayFreePass. Click here to get yours.