Amongst all the off field media drama, Coach Geoff Toovey is mindful of still entertaining the Manly Warringah fans.
In a week where the media has focused on where Kieran Foran will play next season should he become a free agent following his contract fiasco with the Eels, Toovey remains solely focused on the most important
The Sea Eagles will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they tackle premiers South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Friday night following their impressive victory over Wests Tigers at Brookvale last week.
“Here at Manly, we are use to these dramas, the more drama there is, the better we go,’’Toovey said.
“’All we can do as a team and a coaching department is to concentrate on the game at hand. We need to win a few games in the next few months and hopefully force our way into a semi-final position. That’s all we aim to do.
“As a club and as a player, all we can try and do is win games and entertain the Manly fans.
“The Manly fans have been tortured enough in the last few months and they would love for us to win a few games and that’s what I will be aiming to do.”
The match against the Rabbitohs will be highlighted by brother rivalry headed by Sea Eagles prop Luke Burgess taking on younger siblings Tom and George.
Back-rower Glen Stewart needs to overcome a fitness test on his injured thumb to take his place for South Sydney. If he does, it will be the first time the former Sea Eagle lines up against his ex team-mates including his brother, Brett.
Toovey said should Glenn Stewart play, it would not be a case of getting ‘revenge’ on his former club after leaving at the end of last season.
“It will add a bit of spice to the match. He (Glenn) is a great player and I’m sure he will be wanting to get back on the field for this match,’’ Toovey said.
“We were all disappointed that Glenn had to leave the club. There is no denying that. I was very upset for him and for the club but that’s rugby league these days.
As for Luke, Toovey noticed a difference at training this week.
“He has been a bit quiet. I think it means he has his mind focused on making sure his younger brothers don’t teach him a lesson and that he still holds the upper hand,’’ Toovey added.
