THE build-up to the historic National Rugby League clash between Manly and Canberra today has just got better for Sea Eagles’ fan Gary Keatings and Raiders’ supporter Toni Horsfield.

They were the lucky winners of The Border Mail’s mega match-day experience competition conducted in conjunction with Albury Council and the two competing teams at Lavington Oval this afternoon.

They have won two grandstand tickets each, club merchandise and access into the rooms post-match.

More than 100 entries were received in the competition which asked fans to nominate why they supported the Sea Eagles or Raiders.

Mr Keatings is from Manly, a former rugby league player locally and an Albury Thunder life member.

He said he grew up on the hill at the Sea Eagles homeground, Brookvale Oval, before moving to Albury and convinced his wife, Lynne, who was an AFL fan to pledge her allegiance to Manly as part of their marriage contract.

Ms Horsfield is originally from Canberra before moving to the Border to work in the army.

She said her late mum was the Raiders’ biggest fan and was buried with her Canberra jersey, flag and teddy bear.

The start time has been brought forward to 5.05pm from 5.30pm to ensure the quality of the television coverage isn’t compromised by fading light ahead of the end to daylight saving.

A total of 3500 tickets have been pre-sold for the match with walk-ups tipped to push the crowd figure to 10,000.

Gate-takings for the Manly home game have been underwritten to the tune of $180,000 in a joint venture between Albury Council, Albury Thunder and the Commercial Club.

The council is providing a shuttle service to the Lavington ground from Elizabeth Street near the Commercial Club every 15 minutes.

Buses will start running from 2.30pm and recommence after the game about 6.45pm.

Cost is $10 per person return with gates to open at 3pm.