ID :
210007
Wed, 09/28/2011 - 13:59
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/210007
The shortlink copeid
Experience gives us Finals edge, Manly say
SYDNEY (AAP) - 28 SEPT - Manly are convinced their wealth of grand final experience will give them the upper hand in Sunday's NRL grand final against the Warriors.
The Sea Eagles will have a staggering 10 players with grand final experience running onto ANZ Stadium, including eight survivors from the club's 2008 premiership, ready to guide a host of young blood.
In contrast, the Warriors have just three - Lance Hohaia, who was a utility for the Warriors in the 2002 grand final against Sydney Roosters, and former Parramatta pair Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo who played in a losing effort in 2009 alongside current Sea Eagle Joe Galuvao.
Manly's first-time grand finalists are Will Hopoate (19), Kieran Foran (21), Jamie Buhrer (21), Tony Williams (22), Daly Cherry-Evans (22), Darcy Lussick (22) and 28-year-old George Rose, who would have played in deciders in either 2007 or '08 if not for a gruesome broken leg which sidelined him for 18 months.
Veteran forward Shane Rodney, who won a grand final with Galuvao at Penrith in 2003, said the disparity in experience was something Manly should take advantage of.
"I think (having more experience) will be an advantage," Rodney explained.
"A lot of guys (in the team) have been in grand finals before so they know what to expect from the week. We had a little talk about it the other night after the (preliminary final win over Brisbane) ... we know what to expect."
Crafty hooker Matt Ballin, who scored the opening try in Manly's 2008 win over Melbourne, said the senior Sea Eagles would shield their young counterparts during the week and on the field to ensure they could then capitalise on the energy the new breed would bring on grand final day.
"I think it's good to have a mix of both. There's the experience of guys who have been there before but the guys who haven't just enjoy it and bring that enthusiasm because they haven't had it before," Ballin told AAP.
"They're lapping it up and bringing the energy to the side. I think to have that blend and mix of players is a really good thing."
Rodney was a bright-eyed 20-year-old when he picked up his premiership ring with the Panthers, and he explained this week what advice he would give the likes of Cherry-Evans, Foran and Hopoate.
"One thing I'll be telling these younger guys, is when I was a younger bloke, you don't really appreciate it too much that it's hard to get to here," Rodney said.
"I'm going to make sure those guys enjoy the week and make the most of it come next weekend.
"They're all pretty level headed and know what's ahead of them. They're all pretty grounded and appreciate where they are now.
"We'll have a little chat in between when I see blokes, but I'm sure they'll be fine."
The Sea Eagles will have a staggering 10 players with grand final experience running onto ANZ Stadium, including eight survivors from the club's 2008 premiership, ready to guide a host of young blood.
In contrast, the Warriors have just three - Lance Hohaia, who was a utility for the Warriors in the 2002 grand final against Sydney Roosters, and former Parramatta pair Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo who played in a losing effort in 2009 alongside current Sea Eagle Joe Galuvao.
Manly's first-time grand finalists are Will Hopoate (19), Kieran Foran (21), Jamie Buhrer (21), Tony Williams (22), Daly Cherry-Evans (22), Darcy Lussick (22) and 28-year-old George Rose, who would have played in deciders in either 2007 or '08 if not for a gruesome broken leg which sidelined him for 18 months.
Veteran forward Shane Rodney, who won a grand final with Galuvao at Penrith in 2003, said the disparity in experience was something Manly should take advantage of.
"I think (having more experience) will be an advantage," Rodney explained.
"A lot of guys (in the team) have been in grand finals before so they know what to expect from the week. We had a little talk about it the other night after the (preliminary final win over Brisbane) ... we know what to expect."
Crafty hooker Matt Ballin, who scored the opening try in Manly's 2008 win over Melbourne, said the senior Sea Eagles would shield their young counterparts during the week and on the field to ensure they could then capitalise on the energy the new breed would bring on grand final day.
"I think it's good to have a mix of both. There's the experience of guys who have been there before but the guys who haven't just enjoy it and bring that enthusiasm because they haven't had it before," Ballin told AAP.
"They're lapping it up and bringing the energy to the side. I think to have that blend and mix of players is a really good thing."
Rodney was a bright-eyed 20-year-old when he picked up his premiership ring with the Panthers, and he explained this week what advice he would give the likes of Cherry-Evans, Foran and Hopoate.
"One thing I'll be telling these younger guys, is when I was a younger bloke, you don't really appreciate it too much that it's hard to get to here," Rodney said.
"I'm going to make sure those guys enjoy the week and make the most of it come next weekend.
"They're all pretty level headed and know what's ahead of them. They're all pretty grounded and appreciate where they are now.
"We'll have a little chat in between when I see blokes, but I'm sure they'll be fine."
