Manly know dangers of struggling Titans

Having already been blindsided by Gold Coast once this year, Manly are adamant there will be no complacency second time around as they chase a berth in the NRL top four.

The Sea Eagles head to Skilled Park on Saturday knowing a win over the Titans will see them avoid a sudden-death match in the opening week of the finals.

Given they come into the match on the back of five straight wins, and with the Titans realistically out of the hunt for a finals berth, it would seem an easy ask for Manly.

But Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey claims the Titans have already proved their ability to win against the odds when they toppled the defending premiers at Brookvale Oval in round seven having come into the game with five losses from their opening six games.

“(That loss) showed that if you weren’t fully switched on and playing at your best, then you’re going to get beaten by those teams that you’re meant to beat,” Toovey said.

“They weren’t travelling that well at the time, but they were good enough to beat us.

“We don’t want to be travelling anywhere and having a knockout against a quality side.

“If we can have that second chance and stay in the top four, that’s very important.”

Their task has been made just that bit harder with Titans’ duo Nate Myles (sternum) and Aidan Sezer (knee) both cleared to play.

Titans’ coach John Cartwright was under no illusions as to the enormity of the task facing his side.

“Its a real test for us mentally and also football-wise. They (Manly) have to win to keep the top-four spot so they’re going to come here in the right frame of mind,” Cartwright said.

“They’re probably in the best form of any side in the competition so it’s going to be a tough proposition, but I’d rather be playing Manly then anyone else at this stage of the year.”

Meanwhile, Toovey said he would not address the ARL Commission’s vow to get tough on shoulder charges gone wrong with his players.

While he questioned the timing of the announcement on the eve of the finals, he said it would have little effect on his players.

“The players all play hard and tough in our team – but they know the consequences if you hit someone high or with foul play,” Toovey said.

“We’re aware of that and this changes nothing.”

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