Sydney will look to remain atop of the NRL ladder on Friday night but will have to get past a red-hot Manly side led by an inspired Daly Cherry-Evans.

After starting the season 0-2, Manly comes into the game with an accumulated 66-8 score line in their past 160 minutes of football as DCE has recaptured the form that we know he was always capable of.

This will be their biggest test however as they come up against a disciplined and polished Roosters side looking to show everyone why they were minor premiers for three years running.

The Roosters are favourites to win this but will need to be at their best if they are to repel a surging Manly side.

Roosters by 8.

Sea Eagles 18 (Dylan Walker 2, Jorge Taufua tries; Dylan Walker 3 goals) def.  Roosters 12 (Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mitchell Pearce tries; Michael Gordon 2 goals) at Allianz Stadium. Half-time: 6-6. Crowd: 12,376.