Sea Eagles out to control own finals destiny in Flegg

The opportunity to ‘control their own destiny’ is a driving factor in the race to the Jersey Flegg Cup finals for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

And should they make it through, it would be an almighty turnaround for a Sea Eagles side that struggled early in the season before a decision was made to bring in a new coach in the respected Leon Latulipe.

The move has certainly paid off with the Sea Eagles winning their past four games straight – some by healthy margins – to now sit in eighth place on 20 points with seven games remaining.

The Sea Eagles have a great chance to further their push for a finals berth in a crucial game against the fifth-placed Melbourne Storm (22 points) at 4 Pines Park this Saturday.

Manly will certainly be fresh for the clash after having back-to-back byes over the past fortnight following their biggest win of the season in round 17, a 48-14 victory over South Sydney.

Latulipe said complacency would not be an issue for the Sea Eagles.

“I’m big on reminding the boys of where they came from,’’ Latulipe said.

“We were dead last a few weeks back and now have an opportunity to control what's ahead of us if we remain grounded and keep doing what works for us. If we keep sticking together as a squad, then good things will come.  

“It’s always a tough game against the Storm. They are a top five team for a reason. It would be nice to see us progress higher on the ladder, but our focus and energy will be within what we can control.

“If we do everything right in our own backyard, the result and ladder will sort itself out.”

See the Sea Eagles team to play the Storm in the curtain raiser to the NRL game on Saturday at 4 Pines Park. Kick-off 3pm