‘Do or die’ – Sea Eagles target ladder-leading Raiders
Sebastian Tan |
Forward Ethan Bullemor knows Manly’s season doesn’t require life support yet, but insists a win is vital to keep their pulse beating.
The Sea Eagles are aiming to bounce back from two consecutive losses which saw them slip two points behind the top eight.
The face ladder leaders Canberra on Friday night at GIO Stadium with the Raiders needing a win of their own to stay two points clear on top of the NRL ladder.
If Manly (10th, 24 points) were to lose, they would slip further away from eighth place as the Roosters (ninth, 24 points) and the Dolphins (eighth, 26 points) play each other on Saturday.
“I wouldn’t say we’re throwing Hail Marys, but we definitely know we have to win,” Bullemor said.
“It’s really do or die. Every game is going to be important from here on in and even more so now.
“There’s also a level of belief and trust in the team we have, in the processes we have.”
The Raiders had their nine-game winning streak snapped when they lost to St George-Illawarra last week.
Coach Ricky Stuart insists complacency hasn’t seeped into Canberra’s locker room as they aim to win their first minor premiership since 1990.
But the job won’t be easy for the Green Machine, who are wary of Tom Trbojevic in his return to the fullback position.
An injury to Lehi Hopoate saw Trbojevic reclaim No.1 jersey after playing in the centres for five weeks.
“He’s (Trbojevic) has been a tough one for a lot of teams. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to showing people that he can still play fullback,” Stuart told reporters.
“A short turnaround is good because it gets you back on the playing field where you want to be, not practising.”
Stuart also spoke to Trey Mooney after the forward was left on the extended bench and reportedly was told he could leave the club at the end of the season.
Mooney has struggled to make inroads for Canberra this year, having to compete with captain Joe Tapine and big men Corey Horsburgh and Josh Papali’i for minutes.
“The easiest thing for me is to be greedy and keep Trey and he plays four or five games next year. As a person I don’t feel comfortable about that,” Stuart said.
“I’ve got to look after the player… He needs to play in the NRL.”
Canberra speedstar Kaeo Weekes will face his former side, having played for the Sea Eagles as a teenager.
Bullemor spoke highly of his former teammate who has reportedly been offered a jersey for New Zealand after his breakout season.
“He (Weekes) was a great trainer, a great guy, electric, who could always probably see what was in front of him,” Bullemor said
“On a personal note, I’m really happy to see him doing well.”
Canberra will be wearing Eric Babia’s jersey design when they run out in Indigenous Round.
Babia is centre Sebastian Kris’ uncle.
AAP
