Both are desperate for a win after a shaky start to their seasons.

And the league is hoping hosting games in regional areas will help boost ailing attendances.

With crowds to be at their lowest since 2003, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said games in regional areas was one way the NRL hoped to address the issue.

Speaking at a clinic attended by Manly’s Clint Gutherson and Newcastle assistant coach Danny Buderus, Greenberg said the number of regional players had a significant impact on the league’s decision to travel south.

“Its important for us to have a footprint in the bush,” Greenberg said.

“Ultimately the decisions on where clubs play games are up to those clubs, and there are commercial considerations.

“If this game is successful I hope we see more clubs come down.

“It’s really important we play as much football as we can in regional areas. The country is a very important part of the rugby league landscape.

“We have nearly 50,000 registered players in the bush in NSW. A lot of NRL players come from regional centres.

“We’ve got a responsibility to make sure kids who are watching on the weekends have aspirations to play NRL and get the chance to see their heroes in action.”

Manly fullback Gutherson said the Sea-Eagles were excited about their visit to Albury. Several of his teammates are from regional areas.

“This is the first time the club has come to Albury. We’re excited to show what we can do and find some new supporters,” he said.

“We’re going OK. We started well but we’ve taken a few steps back since then.

“We’ve had a big week of training so we’re ready to come down and make a point.”

While Canberra have had a similarly inconsistent start to the season, Gutherson said they remained a dangerous side.

“We know the Raiders can be a bit up and down, but they’ve got some very talented young players and some experience, so they’re not to be taken lightly,” he said.

“Every week is tough and the Raiders will be looking to make a statement in much the same way we want to.”