Manly have withstood a stirring final quarter Canberra comeback to climb into the NRL top eight with a 20-14 home win over the Raiders at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.

The premiers were coasting at 20-0 midway through the second half, but three tries in seven minutes slashed their lead to six with 11 minutes remaining.

It was Manly's fifth win in their last six games and pushed them into the top eight for the first time this year.

The Raiders, who are now four points out of the eight, pinned a tiring Manly back in their own quarter in the final minute.

The Sea Eagles made a terrific start with debutant five-eighth Kieran Foran crossing for a try in the third minute with just his second touch in first grade.

Sparked by some great playmaking options from their skipper and halfback Matt Orford, Manly totally dominated the first half-hour.

Forward George Rose crashed over in the 16th minute and Orford converted and kicked two more penalties to set up Manly's 14-0 halftime advantage.

They appeared to be out of sight after Jared Waerea-Hargreaves crossed for his maiden first grade try in the 53rd minute after Raiders fullback David Milne dropped the ball into his hand.

Milne almost atoned five minutes from the end when he broke clear but butchered the opportunity with a poor chip kick.

Dropped NSW origin five-eighth Terry Campese had a quiet first half-hour but together with his team-mates showed more spirit following their mistake-ridden start.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP