Manly will take a no-holds-barred approach into their grudge match with Melbourne after having already proved they fear no team in the NRL.
Saturday’s clash between the old rivals has been one of the most hyped of the season, with continued references to the 2011 brawl at Brookvale in the lead up.
Regular front-runners at the top of the ladder together for five seasons between 2007 and 2012, Manly’s new breed are already starting to show the characteristic of the Sea Eagles of old.
They have already beaten Melbourne and Canberra on the road as well as South Sydney at home.
They have a 5-2 record against the breakaway group of fellow top-six teams, a mark only matched by the Sydney Roosters within those sides.
“The fact we’re knocking off the top teams is the most impressive part,” captain Daly Cherry-Evans said
“We’ve been chasing those top-four teams all year. We’ve all spoke about the big run we’ve got home and the ability to test ourselves as a side.
“We’ve got belief no matter who we play against.
“They’ve been at the top of the ladder all year but we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing them. It’s nice to test yourself against the best.”
Manly’s finish to the season will challenge that record, with matches against their two rivals in Melbourne and Parramatta.
But it’s Saturday’s that is attracting the most interest with the club still hopeful of their first sell out in five years.
Ill-feelings between Manly and Melbourne spilled over as recently as last year, when Storm centre Curtis Scott was sent off for punching and breaking Dylan Walker’s eye socket.
Going further back, the famous 2011 Battle of Brookvale was coach Des Hasler’s last game in charge at the ground until he returned this season.
And while he said there was now no animosity between the two sides, the rivalry still existed.
“I think there are always competitive contingencies about it,” Hasler said.
“I wouldn’t call it animosity. It’s one side wanting to beat the other. You can call it what you want but there is certainly that competitiveness there.
“It’s good for rugby league. That was eight years ago and it’s become ingrained in NRL folklore.
“There have been many games and many rivalries. But that’s what you want in rugby league, that rusted on feeling. That’s what the fans get passionate about.”
Meanwhile Manly received a boost on Friday, with centre Moses Suli set to overcome an ankle injury and play in the match.
NRL’S TOP SIX LADDER
SYDNEY ROOSTERS: 5-2 (+31)
MANLY: 5-2 (+9)
MELBOURNE: 4-3 (+72)
SOUTH SYDNEY: 3-3 (-8)
PARRAMATTA: 2-4 (-81)
CANBERRA: 2-7 (-17)
* Including only games against each other
