Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett says fans should not expect too much first up from returning centre Dylan Walker.
Tomorrow’s match against the Gold Coast Titans at Marley Brown Oval in Gladstone marks Walker’s first game of the season following off-season ankle and shoulder surgery.
“Dylan brings a lot of enthusiasm and bit of that ‘X factor’,’’ Barrett said.
“We are certainly not expecting any miracles from Dylan. It is his first game for a long time off a couple of severe injuries. He just needs to do his job.”
Whilst Walker is right to play, Barrett is waiting on how full-back Tom Trbojevic pulls up from a fitness test held at the team’s final training session at Marley Brown Oval today.
Trbojevic suffered an ankle injury in the 32-16 win over Canberra last Saturday and was named in the 21-man squad. He was originally expected to miss two weeks.
Barrett said the Titans would take plenty of confidence from the win over the Brisbane Broncos last Sunday.
“I thought their energy was good and they played really physical. They have got some pretty handy players in there,’’ Barrett said.
“(Half-back) Ash Taylor is a real threat and (centre) Konrad Hurrell has been playing really well.
“We know who we have to contain but it is about us doing our job properly and getting the result.”
GAME DAY
Sunday, April 8
Marley Brown Oval, Gladstone
Gates Open - 11.30am
Curtain Raiser: CQ Capras v Burleigh Bears - 11.45am
NRL - 2pm
Please note camping chairs are not permitted into the venue
For a full list of prohibited items please click here
Attending the game? Check out the conditions of entry , the Free Public Transport Schedule and the venue information.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 16: Manly 10, Gold Coast 6
PAST 8 CLASHES
Manly 5, Gold Coast 3
2017: Manly d Gold Coast 30-10, Cbus Super Stadium
2016: Gold Coast d Manly 30-10, Cbus Super Stadium
2015: Manly d Gold Coast 38-6, Cbus Super Stadium
2014: Manly d Gold Coast 15-12, Cbus Super Stadium
2013: Manly d Gold Coast 38-20, Brookvale Oval; Gold Coast d Manly 16-14, Skilled Park
2012: Manly d Gold Coast 24-16, Skilled Park; Gold Coast d Manly 24-16, Brookvale Oval
BIGGEST HEAD TO HEAD WINS
Gold Coast d Manly 30-10, Cbus Super Stadium, 2016
Manly d Gold Coast 38-4, Brookvale Oval, 2009
