Rd 2 SG Ball Preview vs Warriors

It will be an early pressure cooker test for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Pukekohe on Sunday.

The Sea Eagles take on the Warriors at Navigation Home Stadium (12pm  NZ time) in what will be the first SG Ball Cup home game for the Warriors since last March.

Manly heads into the game on the back of a 40-18 loss to the Western Suburbs Magpies at Campbelltown Sports Stadium last Saturday.

The Warriors recorded a hard fought 10-8 win over South Sydney in round one.

Sea Eagles Coach Brett Fulton said his side was in the game for long periods against Wests  but a lack of composure with the ball put pressure on their defence.

“The boys know it was a lesson that we need to hang in there and compete regardless of circumstance,’’ Fulton said ahead of the trip to New Zealand.

“We have bolstered our depleted middle stocks, welcoming back Raymond Lole, who was a part of our Harold Matthews Cup grand final winning team, and Simmy Laiafi from our Harold Matthews squad for this week’s game.

“Both are big bodies. We are confident they will assist in strengthening up our middle.

“The boys are excited to get across the ‘ditch’ and test themselves against a strong Warriors outfit.

“The Warriors are a powerful side and we will have to be on our game in both attack and defence to nullify their roll.”