Manly are confident they have put the kybosh on their Sydney Roosters hoodoo ahead of Friday’s NRL grand final rematch.
The Roosters defeated the Sea Eagles on a record four occasions in 2013, including their grand final win to record a rare clean sweep of a first grade opposition.
But the Sea Eagles struck back in their 8-0 round-four victory earlier this year.
Star Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans says it is a sign that the Roosters’ dominance of the Sea Eagles is over.
“I felt as though we only needed one game to kick that spell,” Cherry-Evans said on Thursday.
“It would have been nice to beat them one game last year but that wasn’t to be.
“We have moved on from that and this year is a different year. We have the wood on them in one game. I’m sure they have every intention to come to Brookvale and upset us.
“We will try to protect our home ground and to beat the Roosters just for the sake of beating the Roosters in 2014 – not for any other circumstances.
“I can’t see it being a blowout on the scoreboard. The way both sides defend, I think it will be a close game.”
The two sides have enjoyed a series of tight games over the past two seasons. Manly’s 8-0 round-four win this season was preceded by the Roosters’ 26-18 grand final triumph, a 4-0 victory in the qualifying final, and 18-12 and 16-4 wins during the regular season.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey said he expected another close encounter.
“There were a couple of games last year when we lost by a couple of points. I thought we were very unlucky not to win some of those games,” he said.
“The competition is so close this year, you have to turn up and we always turn up against the Roosters.
“There have been some great close games and I expect nothing different on Friday night.”
Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was sent off for a high tackle on then Manly forward George Rose in the corresponding encounter at Brookvale Oval last year.
With the Tricolours’ Kangaroo back-rower Boyd Cordner back from an ankle injury, Toovey said he expected the Roosters to again take on Manly up front.
“They have a very similar, even stronger side than last year and they do pride themselves on taking teams on in the forwards – that is their strength,” he said.
Mitch Aubusson will play left centre in place of Michael Jennings (back) for the premiers, with Jamie Buhrer again slotting into the Manly back-row for the suspended Anthony Watmough.
peter
Guest
7-3 penalty count Joel or do you still think Hayne favours Easts?
john badseed
Guest
You'd have to say…? What's the point? Enjoy friday night in Paddoooouch.
Dessie
Guest
Sorry mate no hoodoo just some good viewing :)
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
It's Shayne Hayne, so there's no chance the refs won't have an impact on this game. In fact, I'd say that favours Easts to be honest.
Mals
Guest
Professional fouls (or should that be fowls ;-) ) deserve to be punished.
Elma Dudd
Guest
They had a lot of off nights early in the season and are only now starting to hit form but We still haven't seen an 80 minute performance yet . Going to be a smashing affair and let's hope the refs don't hog too much limelight . Regardless of weather they do or don't if the chooks get the win the shop owners in brookvale will need to sandbag there doors as the manly fans will be crying many a river ...
john badseed
Guest
Let's rewrite history hey Bruce.
Pickett
Guest
Yep that penalty try to divin Lyon was pretty disgraceful. As was the first obstruction try that Manly were illegally awarded. Utter disgrace.
Dessie
Guest
Ten years of dominance mate. And realistically you beat just beat us in the two regular games and in both finals games we destroyed you. 4 nil off a lucky kick? No brett stewart? The disgraceful grandfinal?
KB
Guest
An 11-2 penalty count deficit , mainly in the oppositions'10 contributes to öff nighs" somewhat I'd have to say...
Jack
Guest
4 zip in a season boys - pretty clear who was the better ;-)
john badseed
Guest
Where's the hoodoo in these facts? Last year was more $hayme voodoo.
uPelican
Guest
I think the Roosters had an off night when the sides played earlier in the year. This will be a very different game tonight - both sides are much more settled now and have their mojo back. Should be a pearler.
Dessie
Guest
Manly - Rooster recent history 05 - rd13 manly 22 syd 18 06 - rd 4 manly 30 syd 20 07 - rd17 manly 56 syd 0 08 - rd13 manly 42 syd 0 09 - rd13 manly 38 syd 18. Rd23 manly 44 syd 12 2010 - win one each 2011 - rd22 manly 36 syd 8 2012 - rd11 manly 18 - syd 10. Rd16 manly 52 syd 14 2013 - an asterisk in the history book. So as you can see manly has been dominating the roosters for quite sometime now its funny how you all forget true greatness. Ask Freddy after he got sacked ask Chris Anderson after the 56-0 beat down. And 09 the roosters claimed the almighty spoon.