Amid injuries, defiant Manly still believe as Sharks showdown looms
Manly are falling apart at the seams and losing players by the day but the defiant Sea Eagles stars have warned their detractors not to write them off.
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Manly players have a issued a warning to their growing list of detractors: write us off at your peril.
The Sea Eagles have been rocked by injury and suspension leading into the finals and coach Des Hasler has to find replacements for key players Tom Trbojevic, Joel Thompson, Marty Taupau, Curtis Sironen and Taniela Paseka.
Before he names his side at 4pm Tuesday, Hasler with be hoping to have backrower Jack Gosiewski cleared of a knee injury and for centre Brad Parker to have shaken off the effects of concussion.
The Daily Telegraph understands Tony “T-Rex” Williams will be named in a 21-man squad, while the returning Toafofoa Sipley may also be considered.
“This is a proud club and we’re proud players,” Manly forward Jake Trbojevic said. “If everyone writes you off, that does give you motivation.”
Opponents Cronulla have a horrendous record at Brookvale Oval, winning just six of 47 games there.
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That hasn’t stopped the critics writing off Manly’s chances in the elimination final on Saturday night.
However, it’s a scenario that seems to bring the best out in the Sea Eagles.
“Over the years, Manly have always found some energy from having our backs to the wall when no one thinks you can win,” Trbojevic said. “You always have self-belief.
“Every time we go on the field we want to win. We don’t go out there to lose. It’s going to be tough. We’re not unaware of that.
“Hopefully we compete really hard and do everyone proud. It will be tough, we have a lot of blokes out, it’s backs against the wall.
“Such a proud club back in the semi-finals, we will get some motivation from that, too.
“When we lose quality players it is tough. But we have blokes who will step in.
“Dessie has worked extremely hard all year and whoever has stepped in has done a great job. Everyone is really positive.
“Dessie will come up with a 17 later in the week. I think he will have to leave it right up until the 11th hour.
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“He will have us up for it but it’s a really exciting time for the club, being back in the semi-finals.”
Fullback Brendan Elliot also took aim at those wanting to disregard Manly.
“We do have a lot of injuries,” Elliot said. “It’s been one of our downfalls this season. We have had a few big names out injured.
“It’s been hard but we have great depth. Whoever comes in has been able to do a job.
“Everyone is really focused this year. We are all heading in the same direction. We all want the same outcome, the same end goal. That is ultimately to win a premiership.”
Parker, who has signed a new two-year deal with Manly, was another who warned against underestimating the Sea Eagles.
“I might have to play front row this week, I don’t know,” Parker said. “We are down on troops and having players out definitely hurts.
“But we have had a couple of games this year where we have been down on players. I think we can look back at where we went well in those games.”
Hooker Manase Fainu said: “As the replacements come in, they do their job.”