Manly Marlins coach: ‘We have literally everything to lose’

Fighting words from Manly Marlins coach ahead of semi-final with Sydney Uni, Warringah Rats lose a star and the Sea Eagles big name who has good vibrations. Read it all here.

MANLY Marlins coach Brian Melrose has issued some fighting words ahead of Saturday’s sudden death Shute Shield semi-final against minor premiers Sydney University at University Oval, dismissing suggestions that his team has nothing to lose.

“We may be the underdogs but I say we have literally everything to lose,” Melrose said.

“For me finals are not for participating in, they are for winning

“You don’t pat yourself on the back and say ‘we got to the finals’

The Manly Marlins are ready to take on Sydney University on Saturday, Picture; Adam Yip.

“I’ve been in the Shute Shield finals as a player and coach 22 times so I know what finals are about — I’ve had some great wins and I’ve had some losses.”

While the Marlins defeated the Students 27-21 at University Oval on June 15, Melrose said that won’t matter today.

“You’ve got to give them credit and say Uni will be better this time and we’ve got to step up, we recognise that,” he said.

“And the performance we had last time won’t be enough this time.”

Warringah Rats skipper Hamish Angus.

TOP RAT OUT

THE Warringah Rats will have to win their semi-final against Norths at Rat Park on Saturday afternoon minus their five-eighth and skipper Hamish Angus who has a hamstring injury.

His spot has been taken by Mr Versatile Harley Attwater.

Dynamic Australian Sevens representative Boyd Killingwortth returns to the backrow and rising star Ben Woollett is on the wing.

“We still have a really good side, we just have to turn up,” said coach Mark Gerrard.

“I couldn’t imagine anyone not being up for this game, it’s do or die.”

Meanwhile Angus, Rats halfback Josh Holmes and Marlins backrower Kotoni Ale are among the 10 finalists for the Ken Catchpole Medal, with the winner to be announced on Wednesday.

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Joel Thompson is very happy at the Sea Eagles. Picture: Getty Images.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

SEA Eagles backrower Joel Thompson has encapsulated the vibe at the revitalised club this season by saying this is the best feeling he has had in his 12-year NRL career.

Manly’s most experienced player started out with the Raiders in 2008, then had a had a stint with the Dragons before joining Manly last season.

“As a footy player when you are winning games it feels like everything outside of football is going well,” Thompson said ahead of Friday night’s game with the Warriors in Auckland.

“You are getting all the green lights and life’s running along pretty smoothly.

“And when are losing games you feel like everything is going wrong.”

He said everyone has bought into the culture coach Des Hasler has brought to the club.

“I know it is 17 players out there winning the game but it is the whole squad, they are out here pushing us in our opposed sessions,” Thompson said.

“And we are holding each other accountable and we are training to our standards that we want to do.”