Manly will have no excuses with the returning Kieran Foran to provide some much-needed direction in the side’s NRL clash with St George Illawarra on Saturday in Wollongong.
Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey was critical of the side’s composure, kicking and decision making in Foran’s absence in last week’s 16-12 loss to Canterbury.
Foran’s return from a hamstring complaint to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, along with the presence of Jamie Lyon, will be a boost for the Sea Eagles who have started the season with two losses from three games.
“(Foran’s return) is a big plus for us,” Toovey said.
“He’s a great organiser on the field and I think he’ll give us some steadiness and composure on the fourth and fifth tackle.”
Lyon’s centre partner Steve Matai (shoulder) is under an injury cloud.
Matai left the field against the Bulldogs but returned for the final five minutes.
Toovey was keeping his cards close to his chest on Friday.
But Matai is considered very unlikely to take the field against the Dragons.
Toovey said he was wary of the Dragons and the trip to WIN Stadium which had proved an unhappy hunting ground for the Sea Eagles for the better part of the past 20 years.
According to Fox Sports Stats, Manly have won just seven of 18 matches in Wollongong since 1987.
Toovey said he was also expecting the Dragons’ confidence to be buoyed after being played into form last week by Canberra.
After trailing the Raiders 18-0 late in the first half, the Dragons scored four unanswered tries to give them the win and momentum heading into their clash with Manly.
“They’re a great side with some great talent but I think they’ve just struggled to find those combinations,” Toovey said of the Dragons.
“And I think that win last week will give them a lot of confidence so I think you’ll see a much more-determined effort from them from the whistle.
“They played great the second half last week against Canberra.”
Key stats
* St George Illawarra have the worst record at home of any team from 2013-15, winning just nine of 25 matches
* The Dragons have scored only 30 points this season, the least of any team
* Manly have won just three of their past 10 matches
* Brett Stewart needs one try to become the 10th player in history to reach the 150-try milestone
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