Finding motivation hasn't been a problem for Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler this week.

For starters there's survival - breaking the two-match losing streak that has put their seemingly assured top-four spot in jeopardy.

Then there's revenge, with Sunday's opposition Manly having run up a stunning 98-0 scoreline over the last two meetings between the two sides.

There's also the image problem that needs correcting, with the Roosters having struggled against other sides in the top half of the ladder heading into their meeting with the side that sits atop the pile.

And if that's not enough, there's also pride, with Fittler having led a 'See you Sunday' campaign that hopes to attract in excess of 20,000 fans to the Sydney Football Stadium.

In more ways than one, this is a big game for the Roosters, who have lost their last two games. It's one which will tell a lot about whether they are serious premiership contenders or just making up the numbers.

"Recent losses aside, we're playing Manly," skipper Craig Fitzgibbon said.

"It wouldn't matter what situation we were in heading into the game, whether we hadn't lost at all or whatever, Manly and Melbourne are the form teams of the competition - just the fact we're playing them you have to be on your game.

"It certainly brings out the best in you knowing you're playing the form team."

So too does trying to erase bitter memories.

Fitzgibbon didn't play when the Sea Eagles last thumped the tri-colours 42-0 back in round 13, the veteran backrower one of four Roosters forwards on Origin duty.

But he remembers the previous belting last year, which eventually led to Chris Anderson's resignation and the instalment of Fittler as head coach.

"I played in the one where we got beat 56-0, it wasn't good," he said.

"It's important that we get out there and show them we're not that team.

"You can't deny that they've smashed us the last few times we've played them so there's a bit of motivation there, but they're the form, team in the comp so there's the motivation as well."

The tables have turned slightly heading into the contest with the Sea Eagles now the ones struggling for troops.

Already without five-eighth Jamie Lyon (knee) and prop Jason King (ankle), the Sea Eagles suffered another double blow with backrowers Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart ruled out.

The pair failed to complete a fitness test at the final training run, Watmough succumbing to a knee injury while Stewart is out with a shoulder strain.

Coach Des Hasler named a six man bench earlier this week, but will wait until Sunday to make a decision on his final 17.

The injuries may open the door for journeyman playmaker Jeff Robson to get another run after he played his first game in the top grade in four years last week deputising for the injured Matt Orford.

Orford will play Sunday, but Robson could come in at five-eighth which would allow Steve Menzies to help out with what is a suddenly bare backrow.

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