The Warriors are pretty sure red-hot Manly will be fully focused when the two sides clash in Gosford on Sunday.
For the second week in a row, the Warriors will face NRL opposition caught up in the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into alleged use of banned substances.
Last weekend, they came up against Cronulla, but it was a flat Warriors outfit who looked distracted, rather than the Sharks, who pulled off an 18-14 win that lifted them to fifth on the table.
“I think Cronulla had similar challenges coming in,” Warriors coach Matthew Elliott said after Thursday’s training session.
“What we all observed with the Cronulla game is that it wasn’t really about the opposition. It was about the intent and the energy levels we show up with.”
Elliott said what he did know about Manly, who have climbed to third on the back of a five-match winning streak, was that they had plenty of experience, and plenty of big-game experience.
“They will see this as a big game,” he said.
“They will be definitely bunkered down.”
The loss to Cronulla kept the Warriors just outside the top eight.
With five rounds to go, Elliott is loath to talk the maths and how many more wins would secure his side a play-off spot.
All he’s worrying about is getting the result against Manly to help their cause.
The Sea Eagles have averaged almost 40 points a game during their present unbeaten run.
They’ve also won nine of their past 11 encounters with the Warriors, although the Warriors did hold out for an 18-16 victory in Auckland in June.
While they have to head over the Tasman, Elliott’s men could be helped by the venue this time around.
Halfback Shaun Johnson is one who’s happy the match is on the NSW Central Coast, rather than at the Sea Eagles’ traditional Sydney home of Brookvale Oval.
“I think Manly are even harder when they’re playing at Brooky, especially with the crowd that they get there, all really close to the field,” Johnson said.
“It’s a tough ground to play at. I’m looking forward to getting up and playing at Gosford.”