Koroisau keeping an eye on Hodgson this week

Api Koroisau has been doing his homework on Josh Hodgson.

The Fijian international knows the England international is the nucleus of much of the Raiders' good work in both attack and defence.

So when Manly host Canberra at Lottoland on Sunday, Koroisau has Hodgson firmly in his sights.

"He's very deceptive. He's very sharp at hooker," Koroisau said of his opposite No.9.

"We're going to have to be very good at our markers if we want to try and contain him. He is the key factor for a lot of their go-forward.

"If we're going to have a chance at defending these guys we're going to have to worry about him first."

Manly players were still cursing a little under their breath at training this part week over losing two competition points to the Dragons by just two points 12-10. The NRL admitting an escort penalty should have been blown on Tim Lafai – which would have given the Sea Eagles a chance to push the game into golden point – was fresh in everyone's minds.

"Some things go against you and some go for you, but any kind of loss and you just want to get out there the next week and really dig in," Koroisau said.

Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was getting around his players this week reminding them of the dangers contained in the Raiders middle, halves and back-five.

"The key message I'll be passing on this week is that number one to 17 across the park we're prepared to play their best game," Cherry-Evans said.

"This weekend is not the one to have one or two off their game. We need 17 contributors to try and contain this big Canberra side.

"They are doing some fantastic things with the footy and lot of that is individual brilliance.

"So we need to make our one-on-one with our tackles, support each other, work for each other."

Koroisau knows he will be front and centre in picking off the Raiders as they come through. He also has a helper in bench hooker Manase Fainu.

"To be honest I'm enjoying the interchange at the moment. I like Manase coming on because he's a really strong player and when he's on the field he really changes the game," Koroisau said.

"I'm a team player so I'll keep putting my hand up for us to have the two hookers.

"On the other hand, I've come back from a long injury – was out of the game for a while (in 2018) – so it's really benefitting me at the moment.

"Coming back on gives me more energy and more spark."

The Sea Eagles are 1-1 at home this season – a loss to the Roosters in round two and a win over the Rabbitohs in round four – and sit just inside the eight.

The Raiders are purring nicely in third position after a 5-1 start.