Manly coach Geoff Toovey has launched a scathing attack on his side, claiming they didn’t deserve to play in the NRL finals based on their performance against Parramatta.
The Sea Eagles were upset 20-16 by the Eels, the loss ending a four-game winning streak and all but extinguishing any chance Manly had of making the playoffs.
“We were lucky they were as bad as us to keep us in the game,” Toovey said.
Manly came into the game needing to win by 24 points to move into the top eight with two rounds remaining, but it was clear early on they were off their game in a scrappy contest at a wet Brookvale Oval.
“I think we were 21 sets from 40 completions which is just diabolical and our worst all year,” he said.
“I thought all the luck was in our hands, the last three games if we kept winning, I thought we were a really good shot, but now we need some luck.
“But the performance we put on tonight, we don’t deserve to be there.”
The Sea Eagles sit two points behind the eighth-placed St George Illawarra with Toovey’s side facing the competition-leading Sydney Roosters at Brookvale on Friday before finishing the regular season away to Cronulla.
The situation could get even more difficult for the Sea Eagles with hooker Matt Ballin’s season hinging on the result of scans after he suffered a suspected ACL injury to his left knee.
His match ended with about half-an-hour remaining after he was assisted from the field by trainers.
While it was all doom and gloom for the hosts, the Eels were thrilled to come away with the win inspired by Semi Radradra.
The Fijian winger moved to the top of the competition’s leading tryscorers list with a double, taking him to 21 for the season and one clear of Canterbury’s Curtis Rona.
Radradra had two in the first half when he crashed over after 24 minutes, snapping up a superb cut-out pass from Parramatta five-eighth Corey Norman.
Norman, who filled in as captain for the injured Tim Mannah, said it was a treat to have Radradra on the end of the backline.
“We just got shape there to get him one-on-one and that’s all he needs and we saw tonight and throughout the year that he can finish, so that’s good for us,” Norman said.
One bright note for Manly was centre Steve Matai scoring to become the fourth Manly player to bag 50 tries at Brookvale behind Steve Menzies (88), Brett Stewart (86) and Bob Fulton (70).
Birdy
Guest
Sterlo on the Sunday footy show saw parra at 8-1. His eyes almost fell out. I reckon he dialed up his betting agency at the next add break.
planko
Roar Guru
It was ... Missed that one but got Newcastle... Maybe the Manly Quad is worth a bet. Newcastle Gold Coast Manly NQLD by plus 13plus 91 dollars
planko
Roar Guru
Dale please go play with Lego..... Stifler really I agree that the fat lady is clearing he throat but it is only over if the rosters win and St George win....But they are a chance to say they have no chance is just trolling. Every team in the 8 would prefer to play St George not manly in Semi's.
stifler
Guest
ZERO CHANCE eagles get anywhere near the 8...... you need to accept the season now over...... at least the manly board will be happy so they can justify their toovey crusifix up on brookvale hill.... RIP
littleredrooster
Guest
Im glad i dont take your tips. I thought the $9 for Parra yesterday was juicy.
Bearfax
Guest
Wasnt sure about that one Kingcowboy. Thanks for the correction
Birdy
Guest
I'm just lucky I'm not a gambler although I do get very tempted sometimes . Every year I win the Melbourne cup , And in the footy it seems I can pick the top 8 at the start of each season ,And tell you who will win the grand final , no worries, I can do that too. It's just getting around to actually placing the bet Well this year , or should I say a bit over a month ago I spotted , at over 60-1 , the best dark horse in Australian sporting history...... Manly..... Probably , lucky for me I realised early gambling was not a good career choice . Parramatta 8-1 in a 2 horse race ,gawd even if Manly never showed up parra couldn't win. So glad I'm not a gambler.
Dale D
Guest
I think you mean 'lose', not 'loose'.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Not the 1980's bearfax, please correct me if I am wrong but if teams are tied on points, it goes back to for and against.
Parrafan
Guest
Semi on track to equal or best Steve Ella's club try score record of 23 in a season. What a unit, missing 6 games this season.
planko
Roar Guru
Whilst I admit that a rather large lady is clearing the throat she will only commence singing if Manly loose on Friday night and St George win on Sunday until then she should rest the tonsils. The Dragons have Titans and the Tigers. Both of these teams are capable of on their day just don't start singing yet I pretty Melbourne are hoping not to see Manly in the semi's this year ...
Tom G
Guest
just bloody awful, shameful display. Bad enough to fall out of contention but they should have lapped an under strength eels. No wonder the clean out of that pack is on
Bearfax
Guest
It was always going to be a tough ask to get Manly into the semis, even if they had won the last three games. They probably would have had to play off for 8th spot which would have stuffed any chance of going further. Sorry to see Toovey's tenure ending on such a sour note. But I guess there's always next season...as they say.
Irritated By Stupidity
Guest
Oh yOu missed the obvious pun there. Semi stops Manly's semi charge.