NRL could apply heat restrictions to Sunday’s Manly versus Parramatta blockbuster at Brookvale

MANLY and Parramatta players will have to wait until 40 minutes before kick-off to find out if heat restrictions are placed on Sunday’s blockbuster at Brookvale Oval.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - MARCH 11: Nathan Brown of the Eels looks dejected during the round one NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at Panthers Stadium on March 11, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

MANLY and Parramatta players will have to wait until 40 minutes before kick-off to find out if heat restrictions are placed on Sunday’s blockbuster at Brookvale Oval.

Temperatures are set to sour in Sydney this weekend with forecasters predicting 38 degrees on Sunday.

The Sea Eagles host the Eels at 4.10pm, which could force the players to push through extreme conditions.

A spokesman from the NRL told The Daily Telegraph the game day officials will make a call on the heat 40 minutes prior to kick-off as per the competition’s heat rule for every premiership game.

It’s expected to get to 38 degrees on Sunday.

Depending on the temperature, a decision will then be made to apply heat restrictions on the match.

Sea Eagles hooker Api Koroisau says controlling the ball will be the key to defying the warm conditions.

“It’s always hard to play when it is hot,” Koroisau said.

“We’ll have to control possession and really slow the game down, otherwise it can get away from you and the heat really takes a toll on your endurance and how fast you are going.”

Meanwhile, Daly Cherry-Evans says Parramatta’s recent domination over Manly isn’t pretty reading but he has urged his side to ignore the record books ahead of Sunday’s clash.

The Sea Eagles have lost their past six games against the Eels, including last year’s round 1 match at Brookvale Oval.

TIPS: Who have our experts chosen?

SPORTS CONFIDENTIAL: We rate Woodsy’s many do’s

Cherry-Evans wants his side to forget the stats and focus on football.

“The trick is not to buy into the previous encounters,” Cherry-Evans said.

“They (Parramatta) have had the wood over us in the last two to three years.

“I mean, they’ve even beaten us a few times at Brooke.

“It’s certainly not nice hearing that a side has had six wins over you, but we can’t change that.

“It would be absolutely ridiculous for us to think about that or dwell on that.”