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.”
belrose eagle
Guest
You do understand most players wouldn't even get on the field with the amount of pain Matai gets in his neck from just slight contact but he does and always puts his body on the line but I'm sure U know much better from your armchair
Pickett
Guest
Manly = Ref's teacher's pet
KB
Guest
You forgot to include exceptional diving ability and peerless whinging. Not to mention the endless questioning to the Ref by Lyon and " ooh me leg hurts Matai around the ruck...
The Barry
Guest
I'm not a manly fan but I really admire them. If you believed off season comments the wheels have been about to fall off for the past five years but they keep on keeping on. Every week you look at team sheets and think their pack is going to get out muscled but they keep toughing it out. No team soaks up pressure while conceding minimal points when the flow of the game is against them. Then when they get momentum they're brilliant to watch. Skilful forwards, genuine attack down both sides of the field, brilliant halves and an exciting, outstanding fullback. The other thing I like about them is they usually look like they're having fun out there. The reaction and high fives after the Stewart try against the roosters was great to watch. Definitely my second favourite team to watch.