Sea Eagles have found their step: Toovey

Manly coach Geoff Toovey is confident the NRL defending champions’ troubled year has served to concrete his side’s resolve heading into the final series.

Manly has struggled with injury, suspension and form problems for much of 2012, but everything appears to be coming together for the defending premiers just three weeks out from the finals series.

And Toovey said the Sea Eagles are giving themselves every chance to secure back-to-back titles.

“We have had a tough year but I think things have turned around,” Toovey said.

“We have played well in some quality matches at the end of the year and we are pleased with that.

“We have been a bit hot and cold, but I think we have found our step now. I’ve been particularly happy with the way we have been able to defend in our last few matches.”

For one of the few times this year, a full-strength Manly will meet Newcastle at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.

The Knights’ late season resurgence in form mirrors the Sea Eagles climb up the ladder in recent weeks.

And Toovey said lessons have been learned from their 32-6, round 19 thrashing at the hands of Wayne Bennett’s men.

Since that fixture Manly have won three of four games, their one loss a solid performance against premiership frontrunners Canterbury, while Newcastle’s sole loss since then has also been a 26-10 defeat to the Bulldogs, in which they managed to outscore them for three-quarters of the game.

“We just didn’t turn up against them that night and the scoreline showed that,” Toovey said.

“They are a good side Newcastle, they are playing well at the right time and we need to be ready for that come Sunday.”

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