Electrifying full-back Brett Stewart says his forward pack will need to be firing against Parramatta Eels at Brookvale Oval this Sunday.
The Eels really pushed premiership heavyweights the Sydney Roosters last week before being run down late in the match at Allianz Stadium.
“Anyone who watched them play against the Roosters can see they are a bloody good team and their forward pack is pretty good as well,’’ Stewart said.
“Our forwards are going to have to be on their game. That is where it will be won this week, up front.”
Stewart added the team can’t afford to underestimate a Parramatta side out of finals contention, especially after suffering a heavy round one loss to the Eels.
“We have to put that factor out of it. It is one week at a time,’’ Stewart said.
“It is an old cliché but if you look too far ahead of yourselves and look too hard at who you are playing, it takes the focus off how we are playing and what we have been focused on in the last few weeks, and that’s what has been working for us.
“If we stop concentrating on that, there is a chance of losing.
“It (round one) still hurts. They were the better team and hopefully we can turn it around this week in front of a big crowd at Fortress Brookie.”
Stewart is on the verge of Steve Menzies’ record (88) for most tries scored at Brookvale Oval.
With home games against the Eels and the Sydney Roosters on Friday week, the gun number one needs two tries to equal and three tries to break the record.
Match Day Information
Round 24
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels, Brookvale Oval
Sunday, August 23, “Golden Eagles Day”
Match Day Sponsor - Kyocera
Gates open: 1:30pm
NYC Kick-off: 1:45pm
Golden Eagles Walk from Manly Leagues Club to Brookvale Oval: 2.30pm
NRL Kick-off: 4pm
Tickets
Phone: 136 100
Online: http://bit.ly/1N2D1NO
