Sea Eagles back home for Sharks
SYDNEY: Manly’s return to Lottoland after asbestos concerns can be the boost the injurystricken NRL club needs ahead of Saturday’s elimination final against Cronulla.
Sea Eagles players returned to training yesterday knowing they will play at Brookvale, after leaving their Narrabeen base on Monday unsure about the venue for Saturday’s game.
Players had largely tried to ignore the issue as it hung in the air, but others had joked they would bring astroturf from home to ensure the hill was safe after traces of asbestos were found.
But with eight players still likely to be sidelined for the Sharks clash through injury or suspension, Monday night’s news was a muchneeded positive.
‘‘It’s hard to put into words
[the difference it makes],’’ hooker Apisai Koroisau said after the ground was declared safe.
‘‘The atmosphere itself, having the crowd cheer for you, the familiar surroundings knowing that your family is there and all your fans is pretty big.
‘‘The aura the ground holds, having a semifinal there is pretty incredible.’’
The Sea Eagles could still be without Morgan Boyle (shoulder) and Jack Gosiewski (leg), with the likes of Martin Taupau (suspension), Tom Trbojevic (pectoral) and Curtis Sironen (foot) already out.
But at Brookvale they do have an advantage.
Manly has won seven of 10 games at its traditional home this year, while coach Des Hasler’s record there extends to 17 of his last 20 in charge of Manly.
The Sea Eagles have also recorded big wins in the only two finals matches there in their history, with 24 and 32point margins over South Sydney and St George Illawarra in 2007 and 2008.
The Sharks, meanwhile, have won just five of 46 games at the venue, their last way back in 2008.
Manly prop Addin FonuaBlake even claimed yesterday he was happy for Sharks fans not to turn up if they were concerned about the ground, as it would allow more home fans to fit.
The Brookvale feel could also be crucial to several younger players feeling at home, given less than half of the Sea Eagles’ squad have played finals football.
‘‘Me, Chez [Daly CherryEvans] and Api have spoken quite a bit and been asked a few questions by the younger guys,’’ fiveeighth Dylan Walker said.
‘‘They are pretty eager. You just can’t let these games go past you. You can’t take them for granted.
‘‘We’re not in the topfour so there are no double chances for us. It’s do or die.
‘‘This team, the younger boys, have worked really hard in the preseason and in games to stick it out and get the grinding wins.
‘‘You don’t want to let it go to waste by losing one game.’’ — AAP