They trialled 10-2 to the Eels, before falling just short (19-16) two weeks ago, before coming back from 18-nil down to defeat the Broncos (20-18) last round.

However, the Gerringong product knows his side can't afford to do that against last year's grand finalists Canberra on Sunday at Campbelltown Stadium.

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"It's well-reported we haven't started as well as we would have liked the past couple of weeks but it's encouraging to see the way we've bounced back on both occasions and forced our way back into the match," Garrick said.

"Coach Des Hasler and a number of the senior blokes gave us a little rocket at half-time last week but we can't rely on that each game to wake us up.

"The challenge is for us to work on that first half and then go onto produce a full 80-minute performance."

The Group Seven junior dismissed calls their slow start against Brisbane was due to a five-day turnaround.

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"It [a slow start] all stems back to our intent and attitude going into the game - you can't anyone lightly in this competition," he said.

"If you do, you fall behind as we did and thankfully we were able to fight our way back against Brisbane and make amends for that lacklustre start.

"We didn't get much of a chance to train between the Parramatta and Brisbane match but that's no excuse.

"Thankfully we've had more time on the training-track this week and addressed the issue - we are focused on making a positive start on Sunday."

When they do run onto Campbelltown Stadium, Garrick will have to do so without his regular backline partner centre Moses Suli, who fractured his finger against Brisbane.

This means Garrick, 22, will have Brendan Elliot lining up inside him for the first time in 2020.

"Moses is without a doubt one of the strongest ball carriers in the competition and we will miss him," the Kiama High School alumnus, who's side are also trying hard to decrease their ruck infringements, said.

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"However, Brendan [Elliot] has never let the club down and I'm sure he is going to make the most of his chance on Sunday.

"Being my centre inside me, I've got all the trust in the world in him and I am excited to line up alongside him again.

"While Moses and Brendan are two vastly different centres, with different strengths, they both have assets that can help the team win.

"Although I'll have to make a small adjustment this week, I've spent a lot of time next to them both at training, so I'm very comfortable playing alongside either."

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This right edge of Manly will go head-to-head with the Raiders' left side pairing of Jarrod Croker and Jordan Rapana, which forms part of one of the strongest backlines in the NRL.

"Led by Jack Wighton, who is one of the in-form players in the competition, we know how dangerous the Raiders' left edge is," Garrick, who's landed 12 of his 21 shots at goal this season, said.

"However, with Curtis Sironen, who is one of the leaders in our side, also returning this week for us, I have complete faith our right edge can limit the impact of this dangermen - giving our side the best chance of victory."

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