Manly Warringah Sea Eagles face their most 'important' game of the season in the Jersey Flegg Cup at St Marys on Saturday, July 20.
The Sea Eagles tackle the third placed Penrith Panthers after slipping to fifth place following a disappointing 26-10 loss to Newcastle at 4 Pines Park last Sunday. The win saw the Knights jump into fourth spot.
Penrith sit on 26 points, Newcastle 25, and the Sea Eagles on 24 points with six rounds remaining before the finals.
The Sea Eagles face four of the teams inside the top eight in the run home.
Manly Coach Scott Kenna said his players were keen to make amends for the loss to the Knights.
"We had plenty of opportunities but didn't ice it. We spoke about how we just didn't have our craft right where Newcastle just did those little things better than us, and it showed on the scoreboard,'' Kenna said.
"A couple of injuries again didn't help and we had a big bunch up (playing NSW Cup), but the younger players got there chance. We just weren't good enough.
Match: Panthers v Sea Eagles
Round 20 -
home Team
Panthers
3rd Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
5th Position
Venue: St Marys Leagues Stadium, Sydney
"This one against Penrith is very important. A win sees us catch up with the top four and pushes us away from sixth.
"I rather play all the tough teams building into the finals than having a false presence (playing the bottom teams) heading in."
"Penrith are flying, their last month has been really good. They are in a bit of form, so it is going to be a tough one for us."
