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Friday, April 20, 2007

Eagles not feeling the pressure: Hasler


NRL Premiership Logo, originally uploaded by morganf2096.

They've made the perfect start to the season, but Manly coach Des Hasler insists the Sea Eagles are under no pressure to keep it going.

The undefeated Sea Eagles have surprised many with their flawless start to the NRL season and are aiming to make it six from six with a win at home against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.

Their stunning start is even more impressive considering they've been without injured representative players Matt Orford, Steve Menzies and Steve Matai.

While they are quickly earning respect from their rivals, they appear to be going about their business quietly.

"There's no pressure, it's just about keeping it in perspective," Hasler said.

"Most sides try to get off on a good start.

"In early games you try to get points under your belt because there are times during the year that momentum changes that you can't control like representative season.

"These early points are good for a club and we'll take them."

Manly face a tricky task at Brookvale on Sunday against Titans, who have also surprised many winning three from five in their inaugural premiership campaign, including last week's 28-16 win over reigning premiers Brisbane.

Sea Eagles forward Anthony Watmough, who along with Jason King will play his 100th NRL game this weekend, said the Sea Eagles knew better than to underestimate the NRL's newest side.

"Any team that can knock the reigning premiers off is going to be a big task," Watmough said.

"They've knocked off a couple of good teams as well this year.

"We're going to have to be on our game and it's a challenge were looking forward to."

Both sides will have their two Test representatives - Manly's Brent Kite and Jamie Lyon and Gold Coast's Luke Bailey and Jake Webster - back on the park after coming through Australia's 30-6 win over New Zealand on Friday night without incident.

The Titans have promoted Brad Meyers to prop with Josh Graham moving into lock for the suspended Luke Swain and Michael Hodgson dropped to the bench.

Manly have named an unchanged line-up but halfback Orford could be a late inclusion with a final call to be made on Sunday morning.

Should Orford be given the green light to step in, he faces a tough first assignment against one of the NRL's form halfbacks, Scott Prince.

"He's been on fire," Orford said of the former Wests Tiger.

"He is the Titans' main weapon in attack.

"The forwards giving him plenty of room and that dummy, they speak about it every week and they prepare for it and he still gets every player with it.

"He is going to be one player we have to focus on, that's for sure."

Brookvale Oval, 2pm Tomorrow, Be There!


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