BATTLE BEGINS AGAIN
Sea Eagles take on Storm
RUGBY LEAGUE: Manly will take a no-holds-barred approach into their grudge match with Melbourne after having already proved they fear no team in the NRL.
Today’s clash between the old rivals has been one of the most hyped of the season, with continued references to the 2011 brawl at Brookvale in the lead-up.
Regular front-runners at the top of the ladder with Melbourne for five seasons between 2007 and 2012, Manly’s new breed are already starting to show the characteristics of the Sea Eagles of old.
They have already beaten Melbourne and Canberra on the road as well as South Sydney at home.
They have a 5-2 record against the breakaway group of fellow top-six teams, a mark only matched by the Sydney Roosters within those sides.
“The fact we’re knocking off the top teams is the most impressive part,” captain Daly Cherry-Evans said
“We’ve been chasing those top-four teams all year. We’ve all spoken about the big run we’ve got home and the ability to test ourselves as a side.
“We’ve got belief no matter who we play against.
“They’ve been at the top of the ladder all year but we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing them. It’s nice to test yourself against the best.”
Manly will finish the season with another big game against top-eight rivals Parramatta but it’s today’s clash that is attracting the most interest.
Ill-feelings between Manly and Melbourne spilled over as recently as last year, when Storm centre Curtis Scott was sent off for punching Dylan Walker and breaking his eye socket.
Going further back, the famous 2011 Battle of Brookvale was coach Des Hasler’s last game in charge at the ground until he returned this season.
And while Hasler said there was now no animosity between the two sides, he admitted the rivalry still exists.
“I think there are always competitive contingencies about it,” he said.
“I wouldn’t call it animosity. It’s one side wanting to beat the other. You can call it what you want but there is certainly that competitiveness there.
“It’s good for rugby league. That was eight years ago and it’s become ingrained in NRL folklore.
“There have been many games and many rivalries. But that’s what you want in rugby league, that rusted on feeling. That’s what the fans get passionate about.”
Manly received a boost yesterday with centre Moses Suli set to play today after overcoming an ankle injury.