Sea Eagles Ready To Fly, Attitude Permitting

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday September 27, 2008

GREG PRICHARD

Manly v Warriors

Tonight, SFS, 7.45

What the Sea Eagles say

They know they can't afford to let Warriors veterans Steve Price and Ruben Wiki roll over the advantage line ad nauseam. "They're the guys that really lead from the front," said Manly halfback Matt Orford. "They're the motivation and all the younger guys are jumping on their backs."

What the Warriors say

They know it's going to be a lot harder to win than it was against Sydney Roosters last week. "The Roosters are a great team, but they weren't quite on at the weekend," said hooker Ian Henderson. "I think Manly will be."

What Prichard says

Unless they go out there with the wrong attitude, Manly should win. But it won't be easy. The Warriors are feeling no pain at the moment. They have already gone further than anyone outside of the club would have expected them to this year, so their self-belief will be enormous. You don't want to let the Warriors stay close. They've shown their ability to come from behind and win in this finals series. Manly are good enough to put them away, and win reasonably comfortably in the end. They must back themselves to do that.

For the Sea Eagles to win

All parts are in working order - they have just got to make it happen. Their props have got plenty of tough metres in them, Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart can crack tackles wide of the ruck, Brett Stewart chimes in to the attacking line as well as any fullback, and their outside backs score plenty of tries. On top of that, Orford and Jamie Lyon have just got to be creative enough. Orford's kicking game has occasionally been off in big matches. If it's on, that will complete the picture.

For the Warriors to win

They have got to keep believing, for a start, but that shouldn't be a problem. They're a good side, and they've been playing to their strengths and drawing on emotion as well, with each game possibly Wiki's last. They would know that if they're going to beat Manly they'll have to earn it more than they would a win against any other team at the moment.

The X factor

Manu Vatuvei. Call me a cynic, but while he has been tremendous this season and has the ability to win a game with a huge play or two, I still think he's got the potential to come up with a clanger that costs the Warriors.

What the bookies say

They're not taking any chances with Manly. The best you can get about the Sea Eagles is $1.37. The Warriors are freely available at $3.15. The points start in handicap betting is 8.5.

Late mail

Manly centre Steve Bell, who was battling a calf muscle injury, has been cleared to play.

Teams

Manly: BStewart, MRobertson, SBell, SMatai, DWilliams, JLyon, MOrford(c), BKite, MBallin, JPerry, AWatmough, GHall, GStewart. Res: (from) HL'Estrange, MBryant, JKing, SMenzies, ACuthbertson.

Warriors: WMcKinnon, AKirk, BTate, JRopati, MVatuvei, MWitt, NFien, RWiki, IHenderson, SPrice(c), SMannering, BMatulino, MLuck. Res: (from) LHohaia, ELauaki, SRapira, GRovelli, LSwann, ETuimavave.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home