Des Hasler’s backs-to-the-wall mentality has returned to Manly, declaring his side will draw spirit from the challenge of being without Tom Trbojevic for the finals.
Trbojevic had a successful surgery on his ruptured pectoral on Wednesday, as Brendan Elliot ramped up his preparations to take on the No.1 jersey against Parramatta.
The Kangaroos star’s absence has forced many pundits to write off the Sea Eagles, who have a 4-9 record without their fullback in the past two years.
But in typical style Hasler had no concerns over how that would affect his team psychologically, as they still had a top-four spot in their sights on Thursday morning.
“Coupled with that challenge comes spirit,” Hasler said.
“And no doubt there are plenty of experts out there who are predicting the fate that lies before this side over the next month.
“The great thing about it is we can control it. It will be a great thing if it it arises.”
Hasler was renowned for drawing on a siege mentality for the majority of his first stint at Manly, using it profoundly in the lead up to the 2011 premiership title.
He has also been gifted plenty of ammunition along with the Trbojevic injury.
Manly have again been floated in the expansion debate as a possible option for relocation, a situation Hasler was adamant wouldn’t happen on Thursday.
But on the field he warned no team should be written off in this year’s title race, and joked the focus should be on Parramatta on Friday night at a near-capacity Bankwest Stadium.
“I wouldn’t write anybody off. You can’t control the circumstances can you?,” he said.
“They (Manly) will get a great taste of it tomorrow. If anything the pressure is probably on Parramatta … We’ll start the mind games now.
“I just think the fact there is 26,000 or 27,000 people there tomorrow is a tremendous experience.
“A lot of our boys wouldn’t have played in anything like that. It’s great to see that rivalry and the fans respond on the back of Parramatta’s success.”
Eels coach Brad Arthur knows Manly’s mentality well.
He hasn’t worked with Hasler but was an assistant at the Sea Eagles when they reached the 2013 grand final under Geoff Toovey.
“They’ve been at their best when they’ve had a few things go against them,” Arthur said.
“They’ve got that real tough, hardened mentality that Dessie’s put into them. They aim up when they’re backs are against the wall. “
Arthur also confirmed none of his players would be rested, despite not being able to climb into the top four headed into the final round.
STATS THAT MATTER
* Parramatta have won their last four home games against Manly.
* The Eels average 26 points a game at Bankwest, and concede just 14.
* Daly Cherry-Evans leads the NRL for 40-20s, with four.
* Stats: Fox Sports Stats