England international James Graham believes pre-season criticism of Manly’s forward pack stirred up a hornet’s nest of motivation at the Sea Eagles that has propelled them to the top of the NRL ladder.
Early season premiership frontrunners Canterbury face the top-of-the-table Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium on Friday night in a clash between two of the in-form forward packs of the NRL.
Manly were labelled vulnerable up front by many pundits in the lead-up to the 2014 season, after losing Brent Kite (Penrith), Richie Fa’aaoso (retirement), George Rose (Melbourne), and Joe Galuvao (retired).
But they have proved anything but throughout this season and again last week in Manly’s impressive win over premiers the Sydney Roosters in the grand final rematch.
The Bulldogs possess the biggest, if not the best pack in the NRL and Graham is readying himself for a brutal battle up front in round 17.
“When people in the media talk like that, it has probably given them added motivation to prove a point and certainly just looking at where they are that speaks for itself,” Graham said.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if they have got together and said ‘they are writing us off here in the middle’ and they have really stepped up.
“The likes of (Brenton) Lawrence and (Jason) King, this year you have seen them excel in the games they have played.
“(Anthony) Watmough is always there and (Justin) Horo to name but a few
“Their pack for me is really aggressive, their line speed is through the roof, so it is going to be a tough ask for us in the middle this week.”
Both sides will be without their State of Origin stars with the Dogs hardest hit by the absence of their NSW halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has identified shutting down in-form Manly fullback Brett Stewart as crucial to Canterbury’s hopes. Hasler and Stewart combined for Manly’s 2011 premiership win.
“He has just got that experience, not just that but he has been playing for such a long time at that level (of play),” Hasler said.
“He is a real competitor as well, he just brings that class, he knows when to step it up.
“He is very good for them defensively as well.
“He shifts them and moves them well around the park.
“So it is always good to have someone with that experience.”
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