The injection of two experienced players has come at an ideal time as the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles look to consolidate a place in the top eight in the NSWRL Jersey Flegg competition.
The Sea Eagles currently sit in eighth place on the 12 team ladder with four wins from 10 matches and tackle old rivals North Sydney Bears (10th) in a home game at North Sydney Oval today in round 13.
With the Sea Eagles having a bye in the Intrust Super Premiership, half-back Cade Cust returns to the team while hooker Manase Fainu will make his first appearance in the competition this season in his return from injury. Both have been solid for Blacktown Workers.
Manly Coach Wayne Lambkin more than welcomed the inclusion of two of the shining lights from the premiership winning U20s team from last season.
"It is good to have them but it won't be long term,'' Lambkin said.
"Cade is now about four games into his Intrust career and he is starting to adapt to playing against more bigger and experienced men.
"He is starting to get a bit more vocal and is playing his natural game more.
"Having Manase (pictured) with us is massive. It is not just his football ability but it's his personality in the team and we are missing those type of players who keep the fires burning.
"He has pestered me for the last seven days about wanting to play. I told him it was up to Trent Barrett. I think Trent needs him to get some footy under his belt, so I am happy to have him even if it only for one game."
The Sea Eagles beat the Bears 30-24 a fortnight ago in round 11 and go into the match on the back of a 36-14 victory over the Warriors at Blacktown last weekend.
"There were still some ups and down and we were a bit disappointed we didn't put more points on the Warriors,'' Lambkin added.
"It is about taking small steps at a time with my team at the moment. This time last year, we were pretty much in the same position and I can see the same gradual improvement in this team.
"I just hope they can continue it and at the end of the day, we just want to be competitive every week.
"When you are winning games, you make a dent in the ladder and the table takes care of itself. However, we can't afford to relax."
Rd 13 Jersey Flegg
Manly v North Sydney
Saturday, June 2
North Sydney Oval, 3pm
