Leon Latulipe sees plenty of positive signs in Flegg team
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Jersey Flegg Coach Leon Latulipe has seen plenty of positive signs in his side following back-to-back wins over the past fortnight.
The Sea Eagles produced their finest display of the season with a convincing 36-16 win over the Wests Tigers at 4 Pines Park last Friday night. It came on the back of a thrilling 34-32 victory the week before over Canberra in a match that saw Manly dominate the first half.
Latulipe said several factors that impressed him in the win over the Wests Tigers.
“We’ve placed a big emphasis at training on our discipline and effort areas the last couple of weeks. To see it come together on the field was great to watch,’’ Latulipe said.
“It truly was a team effort and it was pleasing to see the boys grind out a solid win. It was the best football I’ve seen them play so far. The win was well-deserved.”
Latulipe praised a number of players who have really stood up in recent weeks for Manly.
“Lehi Hopoate has been consistent since his transition from SG Ball to Flegg. He has produced solid performances at fullback for us,’’ he added.
“Centre Fletcher Myers played one of his best games in Flegg. I was impressed with his efforts against the Tigers.
"Five-eighth Latu Fainu is always outstanding when he comes back down to us from NSW Cup. He scored two tries against the Tigers off the back of his kick chase efforts. He produces quality performances every time he comes down.
“Daniel O’Donnell has been outstanding off the bench. He capitalised on plenty of opportunities to find his way through the line and scored two tries off the his push efforts.
“Caleb Navale, James Uesele and Zane Dunford have been our best middles so far, leading by example and really making a statement defensively there
“Unfortunately, we’ve lost Dunford with a knee injury for the rest of the season. There will certainly be some players that will need to step up to fill the gap.”
Latulipe added that former half-back turned hooker Jamie Humphreys has also been consistent every week.
“Jamie doesn’t look out of place at hooker. He has been working on his ruck recognition, service, and bringing players onto the ball. He has so far exceeded in these areas,'' Latulipe said.
“He has certainly been busy around the middle defensively and will be a major part in keeping our middle honest with Caleb Navale shifted to the edge this week."
The strong results of the past fortnight sees the 12th placed Manly two points behind the eighth-placed Parramatta Eels (14 points) who they meet in round 16 at New Era Stadium, Cabramatta, on Saturday, June 17, at 3pm.
The top five teams contest the finals series with Melbourne currently fifth on 20 points.
See the Sea Eagles team here
