Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Coach Des Hasler says the Newcastle Knights will provide plenty of stiff opposition in front of a vocal home crowd tomorrow.
Hasler says the Knights have been really ‘unlucky’ and should have won more than just their one win from four matches.
“I have been watching Newcastle carefully and they have been really unlucky. They have been in every contest so they should be probably sitting near the top of the competition,’’ Hasler said today.
“They have competed right to the very end. He (Coach Nathan Brown) has obviously got them playing really well for each other. It is going to be a tough game up there with the local support they get.
“They lost last week in golden point. St George are no slouches so we need to be our toes against them.”
Fresh from a golden point win over Souths last weekend to leave the Sea Eagles with two wins from four games, the match at McDonald Jones Stadium is a special one for Manly half-back and captain Daly Cherry-Evans who will play his 200th NRL game for the Sea Eagles.
Hasler said there were many fine attributes to like in the Queensland and Australian half-back.
“It is an amazing accomplishment particularly when you think it has all been for the one club,’’ Hasler added.
“The fact that he has been able to sustain such a high level and consistency in his game. He has had to prove time and time again when it comes to those big moments in games that he is the player that can get sides across the line.
“The way he thinks about the game, the way he works at his game. He works incredibly hard off the field and he has always been a great example to players coming through.
“It is a real special day for him and a real special day for his family. We hope we can get the desired result.”
Hasler added that centre Moses Suli makes a welcome return to the team after missing last week’s win over Souths for failing to meet disciplinary performance standards.
“He gets his chance and he would have done it tough too last week missing that game,’’ Hasler said.
“He fully understands the consequences and the professional nature of this game we play.
“Moses has great potential and he has moved on. He will be all the better for it.”
